How can a president help with tire tread maintenance?

WICHITA, Kan. (KSNW) — According to the American Automobile Association, you should inspect the tires on your car on a monthly basis.

“If you drive over potholes and debris in the road, live in a cold climate, or drive long distances regularly, then you should inspect your tires more often,” said the AAA. “Always inspect your tires before a long trip.”

The AAA says as tires are the only part of a car that has direct contact with the road, they affect your vehicle handling, ride, braking, and safety.

“For optimum performance, tires must have the correct air pressure, tread depth, balance and the wheels of the vehicle must be properly aligned,” said the AAA.

City of Wichita facilities closed for Presidents’ Day

When it comes to checking tread depth, George Washington and Abraham Lincoln can help.

“Insert a quarter into a tread groove with the top of Washington’s head facing down. If the top of his head is not visible, your tires have at least 4/32” of tread and are fine for continued use. If you can see above the top of Washington’s head, it is time to start shopping for new tires. Take measurements in three locations across the tire’s tread: (1) outer edge, (2) center, and (3) inside edge,” said the AAA. “The penny test is done in the same way, except that if you can see above the top of Lincoln’s head your tires have less than 2/32” of tread, which is below the legal minimum and cause for immediate replacement. Tires worn to this level will also have visible wear indicators (thin bald strips) running from side to side across two or more tread segments.”

For more information on tire safety and maintenance from the AAA, click here.

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