Trying to save a few bucks?

If you're thinking of squeezing an extra thousand miles out of your car tires' tread, you may want to think again.

"As your tread gets lower you do lose fuel mileage, or fuel economy. Also you risk getting a flat when you're out on the road." said Tom Vose of Jack Williams Tire and Auto Center. He said seeing wear bumps on the road surface on the tire is a bad sign and it's probably time for a change. "People notice it the first time they go to stop on a wet rainy day and they slide through that stop sign, or it takes a little longer for them to stop than anticipated because the tires don't have any traction."

So what can you do to check if your tire's tread has passed its prime?
  • Measure the tire's depth of tread by placing a penny in the grove of the tire. If Lincoln's head is fully visible your tire's tread is dangerously low.
  • Also examine the tire for visible damage, or threading of the tire.
  • Most important, check the air pressure of your tires at least once a month.
If you're unsure of the correct air pressure for your vehicle, typically that info can be found on the inside part of your door.

"Tire pressure is what's going to give you the best handling on your vehicle. It's going to make your tires last the longest. If you keep them properly inflated it's going to give you the best fuel mileage," Vose added.

In the end cutting corners in proper care and stretching the tread on the tires will only lead to greater costs.