There’s a good reason your trunk contains a spare: damage or age can lead to tire failure.   Some tire repairs can be prevented by proper maintenance, which includes inflation and inspection.

Check the pressure in your tires monthly, including the spare. The proper inflation level for your vehicle can be found in one of these places:

1. Owner’s manual
2. Vehicle’s door jamb
3. Inside fuel hatch filler cap (in some vehicles)
4. Glove compartment door (in some vehicles)

*Note - The inflation pressure on your tire’s sidewall is a maximum and not to be maintained.

Check your tire pressure when tires are cold – before you have driven one mile or after the car has been stopped at least 3 hours.  Avoid using public gauges at gas stations – they are subject to abuse and thus can be inaccurate.

According to The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, underinflated tires cause 600 deaths and 33,000 injuries each year.

Impact with a road hazard such as a pothole, curb, or debris, may cause hidden damage.  Vibrations, air loss, unusual or localized wear can all be signs of such damage, which can cause tire failure at a future (surprise) date.

A damaged tire may be repaired, rather than replaced, if:

1. The tire has not been driven while flat
2. The damage is only in the tread section
3. The puncture is less than ¼" in diameter.

In order to complete a safe repair, the tire must be removed from the wheel and inspected from the inside.  This is necessary because internal damage is not visible while the tire is mounted.

Do not accept a “plug only” repair.  Such repairs are unreliable and can lead to tire failure.  A proper repair involves patching the tire from the inside and filling the puncture hole.