It’s a moment that matters: Make time for tire safety

()Check for working batteries in smoke alarms Make sure you check. Check. Check. Get a new water filter for your fridge. Do it. Check your tires. Take a moment to inspect your tires as fall and winter approaches.

Cooper Tires is encouraging drivers this year to observe Labor Day weekend (and every other month) as a time to inspect their tires.

“Just as we regularly take a moment to check our smoke detector batteries when we change our clocks in the fall and spring, we need to designate a moment to check tire safety as well,” says Jessica Egerton, Director of Brand Development at Cooper Tire & Rubber Company.

It is simple to check the condition of your tires. This is important for your safety while driving. Your tires are the only thing that will come in contact with the road.

A tread depth of 2/32 inches is recommended. Are your tires meeting this minimum or too worn? What would you do if they were? It’s easy to see if the tread is covered by Lincoln’s head. If the tread touches Lincoln’s head, it is safe to proceed. It’s time to change the tire.

You can keep your car on the road and in control by ensuring that the tires have the correct tread depth.

You shouldn’t feel under pressure.

Inflating tires at the correct pressure can lead to uneven wear and tire failure. This will make your car use more gas.

Cooper Tires recommends this safety check for a quick 10-minute:

* Check the tread. The U.S. penny/Lincoln’s head method is used. With Lincoln’s head facing you, insert the penny into the tread. If Lincoln’s head is visible around the tire, it is time to replace it!

* Check the pressure.To determine the correct tire pressure, look at the vehicle’s doorjamb and glove compartment. Use a tire gauge to check the pressure at the valve stem. Too low? Add air. Too much? To release air, press down on the valve’s metal stem. Once you reach the recommended pressure, remove the valve cap. Don’t check your pressure immediately after you drive. Let the tires cool for at least 3 hours before checking them again.

* Check your look.Examine your tires for cracks, bulges and splits. If in doubt, contact a tire professional to conduct an inspection.

Visit coopertires.comFor more information on tire safety, and for details about how to make regular tire safety checks a habit, click here.