Hot weather combined with the busy summer travel season means your tires will get a workout and some won’t survive the stress. June 5th through the 11th is National Tire Safety Week and a good time to remind motorists to check their tires for proper inflation, wear, or damage before you head out on the roads.

From 2005-2009, nearly 3,400 people died and about 116,000 were injured in tire-related crashes. Many such crashes are preventable with periodic tire checks, particularly before a long trip in hot temperatures. Tires are more susceptible to stress from heat, especially if they are not fully inflated.

Here are some checks to make to ensure your tires are ready for summer’s challenges.

• Find out how much to inflate your tires by checking the air pressure recommendations listed on the placard on the driver’s door jamb or inside the glove compartment or fuel-filler door.
• Inspect your tires and replace them if you see cracks, cuts, or bulges.
• Look for uneven or excessive tread wear. Place a quarter upside down in a tire groove. The distance from the coin's rim to George Washington's hairline is about 1/8 inch. If you see all of his head in any one groove where a tread-wear indicator appears, consider shopping for new tires. Certainly, any groove worn to 1/16 inch, the distance between, the top of Lincoln’s head to the edge on a penny, should warrant tire replacement.
• The sidewall of the tire can tell you how old your tires are—some automobile manufacturers recommend replacing tires after six years, but as a rule of thumb any tires over 10 years old should be replaced regardless of wear. Read your vehicle owner’s manual for more tips on tire care.

Another benefit of properly inflated tires is an increase in fuel economy. In a vehicle with a fuel-economy rating of 30 miles per gallon and a 35 PSI tire pressure recommendation, a 25 percent drop in tire pressure would cut fuel economy by 8.8 percent. However, in Consumer Reports testing we found that the actual fuel economy drop may vary depending on the model of the car, tires, and how and where you drive. Remember, even a modest drop in tire pressure can impact handling, braking, and overall safety.