A New Year's Resolution You Can Stick to

It's time again when millions faithfully pledge to better themselves by making numerous New Year's resolutions. Some estimates report more than 40 percent of Americans make New Year's resolutions, yet only about 8 percent achieve their goals. Happy New Year, indeed. The typical list of New Year's resolutions include: losing weight, working out more, quitting smoking, getting a better job, spending less and saving more. Not surprisingly, missing on everyone's top 10 checklist is an important resolution that's incredibly easy to achieve: checking your tires monthly and maintaining them. "Even though tires are the only part of a vehicle touching the road and play a valuable role in our everyday lives, they usually go unnoticed," says Bob Abram, product planning manager for Yokohama Tire Corporation, manufacturer of everything from ultra-high performance tires for passenger cars and SUVs to tires for buses and trucks. "Year round, tires have an enormous impact on our driving. They influence the braking, steering, comfort, handling, fuel efficiency and driving safety of every vehicle. Making sure the tread is in good shape and your tires are properly inflated helps increase traction on wet and icy roads, which is especially important during the winter season." However, to keep your tires in tip-top shape for better stopping distance and control, you routinely have to check them to make sure they are properly inflated. "Tire pressure is critical," says Abram. "When a tire is underinflated, the car's weight rests more on the tire's shoulders than its center. That not only causes poor fuel economy, but also uneven wear." Abram says knowing more about your tires - including which ones are best for your vehicle - will ensure a better, longer-lasting ride. "At Yokohamatire.com you can easily find out which tires work best for what you drive, plus details on how to maintain them. For example, if you drive a crossover, SUV or minivan, you can learn about a tire like the GEOLANDAR G055, which is specifically engineered for the most common and demanding uses of those vehicles." Abram says start the year right by pledging to take care of your tires to enhance vehicle control and maximize safety. His tire care New Year's resolution tips include: * Checking your tire pressure at least once a month. Consult the vehicle's owner's manual or placard on the driver's door to determine proper tire pressure. Tire pressure should be checked when the tires are cold. * Rotating your tires regularly promotes even wearing of tread. Tires should be rotated every 5,000 to 8,000 miles. * Checking your alignment at least once a year or sooner, especially if the vehicle is pulling to one side. This will help avoid uneven wear on tire tread. Tire balance should also be monitored. * Replacing the tire before the tread wears down below 2/32 of an inch. A quick and easy tread test involves placing a penny into the grooves of the tire. If Lincoln's head is completely visible, the tires should be replaced.