TIRED TIRES

They keep you firmly attached to the road, so tire maintenance is an important job for the motorist.

The Tire Institute Safety Center suggests giving your tires frequent once-overs and inspecting them a closely on a monthly basis.

Look for stones, bits of glass, metal, or other foreign objects wedged in the tread. These may work deeper into the tire and cause air loss.

Use a tire gauge to test for pressure -- you can't tell a tire's pressure by looking at it. Underinflation or overloading creates excessive heat, and can lead to tire failure. Proper inflation extends tire life and saves fuel.

If any tire continually needs more air, check it to find out why it is leaking. The tire, wheel, or stem may be damaged. If you detect uneven wear patterns, you may have chronic underinflation, incorrect tire alignment, improper balance, or damaged suspension components. However, certain uneven patterns may indicate the tire has internal structural damage.

If you see "wear bars" -- bands of bare rubber -- or steel belting, the tire is worn out needs to be replaced.

A tire dealer or mechanic will help you identify and correct any tire problem. The tire will continue to get worse until you fix it; eventually, it will need to be replaced. If you correct the problem early, you will probably be able to keep the tire in service, according to the safety center.