Are You Driving on Safe Wheels? Farmers Insurance Group(R) Survey Shows 14% of Those Surveyed Never Check Their Tire Pressure.

LOS ANGELES -- While most vehicle owners provide regular maintenance to their cars' engines, batteries and other under-the-hood parts, a Farmers Insurance Group(R) survey shows that many drivers ignore one of the most important safety features on their cars: their tires.

In a national survey of 1,001 individuals, more than 29 percent of the respondents said they do not check the treads on their tires more than once a year, nor do they have their wheels aligned and tires balanced more than once every two years.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), tire failure and blowouts contribute to approximately 414 deaths and 10,275 non-fatal injuries each year. Under inflated tires are one of the leading causes of tire failure, and since tires may naturally lose air over time, maintaining tire pressure is considered integral to tire safety.

"It only takes about five minutes to check the safety of your tires," said Farmers spokesperson Jeffrey C. Beyer, chief communications officer & senior vice president. "By doing so, you can reduce the risk of a tire failure accident, increase the life of your tires, improve your car's handling and even save money on fuel."

In the survey, nearly one-fourth (24 percent) said they do not check their tire pressure more than once a year, and 14 percent admitted they never check their tire pressure. Furthermore, one-third (33.3 percent) of those polled said they do not even keep a tire pressure gauge in their vehicle.

"You can't usually tell if your tires are properly inflated just by looking, kicking or pressing on the tire," Farmers spokesperson Beyer said. "It's a good safety practice to keep a tire pressure gauge in your vehicle at all times."

To get an accurate reading, measure tire pressure when the tires are cold; that is, when the vehicle hasn't been driven for at least three hours. Even driving one mile can heat up the tires, making an accurate measurement difficult.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, tires should be replaced when the tread wears down to 1/16 of an inch, which can be easily measured using a Lincoln penny. Insert the penny so that Lincoln's head is pointing toward the tread. If you can see all of Lincoln's head, it's time to replace the tire.

Farmers Insurance recommends the following tire safety checklist:

--Keep a tire gauge in each vehicle and make sure tire valves have valve caps.

--Check tire pressure at least once a month, including the spare. Always fill tires to the pounds per square inch (PSI) number recommended by the vehicle manufacturer.

--Inspect tires for uneven wear patterns on the treads, as well as for cracks or other signs of wear or trauma. Also, check for stones, glass, metal or other objects that may be wedged in the tread.

--Check tire pressure before going on long trips. Do not "bleed" or reduce air pressure when tires are hot -- it is normal for pressures to build up while driving.

--Make sure the wheels are aligned and the tires are properly balanced. Check your owner's manual for information on how often your tires should be rotated and the best pattern for rotation.

--Old, worn tires can cause accidents. Replace any tires that have been damaged or that have badly-worn tread.

--Do not overload a vehicle. Check the tire information placard or owner's manual for the maximum recommended load for the vehicle.

--When towing a trailer, remember that some of the weight of the loaded trailer is transferred to the towing vehicle.

The Farmers Insurance Group(R) companies comprise the nation's third-largest personal lines property & casualty insurance group -- helping to restore the lives of over 15 million customers when the unexpected happens. Headquartered in Los Angeles and doing business in 41 states, these companies provide homeowners, auto, business, life insurance, recreational products and financial services to more than 10 million households through 17,000 exclusive and independent agents and district managers. For an agent near you, call 1-800-FARMERS or visit www.farmers.com.