Keeping your tires balanced, rotated regularly, properly aligned and inflated to the correct pressure are all part of making sure tire tread wears evenly and doesn't create any weak spots in your tires. You'll be at a lower risk for skidding or poor handling, which could be dangerous in an emergency.

Spotting Worn Tires

You might need new tires if you notice any of the following:

• Tread worn down to less than 1/16"
• Narrow strips of smooth rubber across the tire tread
• Bulges in the tire
• Cracks or separation in the tire
• Foreign objects puncturing the tires
• Slipping or handling poorly in wet or icy conditions
• Tires are more than six years old

If any of these symptoms occur, you should visit your local Ford or Lincoln Mercury Dealership immediately for a tire inspection.

Keeping Your Tires Performing at Their Best

The best thing you can do for your tires is to get scheduled maintenance at the Dealership. Every vehicle maintenance schedule includes:

• Tire inspection at every appointment
• Tire rotations every 5,000 miles
• Inspect wheel ends for play and noise every 15,000 miles
• Lubricate 4x2 front wheel bearings, replace grease seals and adjust bearings every 60,000 miles

Regular maintenance will help extend the mileage of your tires and allow our technicians to spot any problems before they become serious.

In between visits, you can keep your tire pressure adjusted to the right level to make sure you get the most out of your tires. This can help improve your gas mileage up to 3 percent (source: www.fueleconomy.gov ).

Check your owner's guide for vehicle-specific information on caring for your tires.

Schedule Tire Service

To schedule tire service at your local dealership, use the Dealer Directory.