But, in fact, the opposite is true. Consult your owner's manual for the heavy-load pressure recommendation. If when driving at highway speeds you hear a muffled thumping noise or feel a shimmy in your steering wheel, it may be a sign of trouble. The noise may indicate tire tread problems that require immediate attention. The shimmy may mean your wheels are out of alignment, which can cause tires to wear prematurely.
Maintenance Get a jump on tire problems by checking their condition every six months.
Stick a penny into the tread. If the tread does not reach the top of Lincoln's head, you need new tires. Keep in mind that most tires usually last 40,000 miles, and it's prudent to have a mechanic check your alignment every 5,000 to 7,000 miles. It's not just cars that are rated for safety. In addition to doing extensive crash tests on all models, the government rates all tires that are on the market.