Expired tires can lead to a blowout

Your tires, like the cans in your pantry, have an expiration date. If your wheels aren’t fresh, you may be headed for a blowout.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration issued a warning this week to drivers about the risk of driving on tires that are worn out, under-inflated or too old.

The average street life of a tire is 6-10 years. Old tires are subject to greater stress, which increases the likelihood of failure. You can find out when your tires were made by checking the identification number on the sidewall that begins with the letters "DOT". The last four digits represent the week and year the tire was manufactured. More info on proper tire care and a tire rating guide are available at www.safercar.gov.