Can You Pass Our Tire Quiz?
Did you know? Around 1 in every 20 car accidents in the US is caused by underinflated tires-- and with over 93 million Americans hitting the road for the holidays this year, now is a perfect time to make sure you're on top of your tire game. Keep you and yours cruising safely to grandma's house and into the new year with our tire quiz.
1. The pressure number (PSI) on the side of your tire is the:
- A. Maximum PSI the tire can hold
- B. Suggested range of pressure for your tire
- C. Number of pounds your tire can hold
- D. Manufacturer recommended PSI
2. To test the depth of your tire treads, you insert a penny into a tread groove with Lincoln's head upside down and facing you. What are you looking for to find out if the tire is in good condition?
- A. You should still see all of Lincoln's profile including his hairdo.
- B. You shouldn't see any of Lincoln's head, only his bowtie.
- C. You shouldn't see most of Lincoln's forehead.
- D. The penny should disappear into the tire never to be seen again.
3. True or false: You can generally tell if a tire's pressure is running low by looking at it.
4. You should always check tire pressure when tires are:
- A. HOT
- B. COLD
- C. Sad
- D. Off the car
5. Why is proper tire alignment so important anyway?
- A. Poor alignment leads to more rapid tire wear
- B. Poor alignment hurts fuel economy
- C. Poor alignment can cause poor handling
- D. All of the above
Tire Quiz: Answer Key
1. A. The number on the side of your tire is the maximum PSI (pounds per square inch, or pressure) that the tire can withstand.
Never use this number as a gauge for how much air to put in your tire. Instead, check inside the door jamb of the driver's side door or check your owner's manual for the recommended range of pressure.
2. C. You shouldn't see most of Lincoln's forehead.
As long as Lincoln's head has been inserted into the groove and part of his head is hidden, the tire is generally considered in good condition. If you can see all of Abe's head, then the tread is worn and it's time to replace the tire ASAP.
3. B. False.
You should never try to “eye” an underinflated tire. A tire can lose up to HALF of its pressure before it begins to look visibly low.
4. B. Cold
Always check your tire pressure after they've cooled down. Hot tires will give you an inaccurate reading.
D. All of the above.
Alignment is a major factor in maintaining safety and minimizing wear-and-tear to several components of your vehicle.