Purchasing new tires for your car can be frustrating: an average of two hours is spent researching tires and 89 percent of all consumers experience some sort of buyer’s remorse, according to a consumer study by Cooper Tires.

To help, the experts at Cooper Tires are offering easy ways to identify when you need new tires, as well as tips on what to consider in the tire buying process.

The Penny Test

Tire tread should be more than 2/32 of an inch deep. Check by inserting a U.S. penny into the tread with Lincoln’s head facing down. If the top of Lincoln’s head is covered by tread, there’s at least a minimum acceptable amount of tread. If the top of his head is visible at any point, it’s time to replace your tires.

Even before tread is worn, regularly inspect tires for cuts, cracks, splits, punctures, bulges and uneven wear patterns. Also, replace all tires, (including full-size spares) that are 10 or more years older than their date of manufacture, or follow the vehicle manufacturer’s recommendations.

Know the Right Size

Like with shoes, buying the proper tire size is critical. Consult the information placard found on the driver’s side doorjamb, glove box, fuel door or vehicle manufacturer’s manual, which also contains technical specifications relating to your tire, including load carrying capacity, speed rating and recommended inflation pressures. For maximum safety and performance, follow these recommendations carefully.

If you don’t have this information handy, consult a tire professional to have all your questions answered, and check out the three-step tire guide from Cooper Tires, which can help you narrow down the choices by car/minivan, SUV/CUV or truck. You can find this guide at us.coopertire.com.

Other Considerations

There are many factors to consider when selecting tires to fit your needs, including the following:

• Do you need dedicated winter tires, dedicated summer tires or all-season tires? Think about where you travel over the course of the year.

• Do you have a long commute or take long road trips? Consider expected mileage, ride comfort, fuel efficiency and if the tires are quiet.

• Do you have a sports car or do a lot of spirited driving? You may need tires that focus on handling and are developed for high-performance cars.

• Do you drive in rain? Consider the tires’ wet braking distance.

• Do you drive off-road? If you spend a significant amount of time on mud tackling adventures, dedicated off-road tires may be your best bet.

At the Store

Be sure to ask what services are included in the quoted price. And remember, if your selected tires are not immediately available, you can often have them ordered. It may be helpful to call ahead if you know what you need. To find a retailer near you, visit us.coopertire.com/find-a-store.

Final Thoughts

Not all tire damage that can lead to tire failure is outwardly visible. Used tires, should be considered dangerous. Buy and install only new tires. Whenever possible, replace all tires at the same time. However, if you can only purchase two, the new pair should always be installed on the rear axle.

Your tires are the only parts of your car that connect to the road. Select tires carefully, then properly maintain and inspect them over time.

-Statepoint

LUFKIN – Crews will begin Thursday installing foundations and service poles for what will be new school zone flashing beacons on SL 224 at Regents Academy in Nacogdoches. The new school zone designation has been approved by the Texas Department of Transportation and the City of Nacogdoches and will become operational once power is connected within the next week or two.

The flashing beacons, once activated and flashing, will signal the enforcement of a 35-mile-per-hour speed limit within the school zone on SL 224 from mile marker 10.2 to mile marker 10.5. When lights are not flashing, the speed limit will remain at 55 miles-per-hour in both directions. Motorists are urged to be cautious and alert once the school zone beacons are activated. This is an active TxDOT work zone. Motorists should be prepared for possible delays during work hours and be prepared to move over into another lane while workers and equipment are working near the roadway. If no other lane is available, motorists are required to reduce speed by 20 miles per hour below the posted speed limit.

For more information, contact Rhonda.Oaks@txdot.gov or (936) 633-4395.

(Austin, TX) – Governor Greg Abbott announced the availability of new funding for hazard mitigation projects along the Gulf Coast affected by Hurricane Harvey. An estimated $1 billion
for hazard and flood mitigation projects has been allocated by FEMA and funding distribution will be operated by the Texas Division of Emergency Management.

The new hazard mitigation funds can be used in a number of ways, including:

– Buyouts and elevations of flood prone properties.
– Drainage and reservoir projects that eliminate future flooding.
– Projects to lessen the frequency or severity of flooding.
– Flood risk reduction projects (dams, retention basins, levees, floodwalls).
– Large-scale channeling of waterways.

Applicants must submit a TDEM Notice of Intent (NOI) form for the FEMA Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP) for DR-4332 which is included with this release. This form is used to screen projects for eligibility in an effort to save jurisdictions the time and trouble of completing the full application form for ineligible activities. The information provided in the NOI form will also assist TDEM staff with providing the right technical assistance to sub-applicants in developing their project application. The form must be submitted as soon as possible to TDEMMitigation@dps.texas.gov.

“I am thankful to Governor Abbott and FEMA for working to get this funding for our Southeast Texas communities. After witnessing the disaster left behind in the aftermath of Harvey, it is
vital that we learn from this disaster and use preemptive measures to ensure that we minimize impact if another national disaster impacts our state,” said State Representative James White. For additional information regarding the HMGP for DR-4332, please visit the TDEM webpage at: http://www.dps.texas.gov/dem/ThreatAwareness/hurricaneHarveyInfo.htm. Please do not hesitate to contact either Saul Mendoza, Chief of Staff, or Shawn Dunn, District Director, with questions regarding this release at 512-463-0490 or 409-283-3700.

NOI FORM PDF:

TDEM-HMGP- NOI Form_2-12-18

LUFKIN – A busy Lufkin intersection is scheduled to be confined to a single lane on Wednesday as engineers inspect the US 59 South direct connector.

Motorists will be confined to a single northbound lane of South First Street and a single outside lane on South Medford Drive below the US 59 direct connector on Wednesday as bridge inspectors conduct a routine inspection. The US 59 South direct connector will remain open to traffic. Lane closures will be confined to the intersection beneath the flyover.

“This is a fracture critical inspection, which is routinely conducted every two years at bridges throughout the district,” said Rhonda Oaks, Lufkin District public information officer. “Because of the location, it is necessary for the lane closures during the inspection. We want motorists to be aware that there may be delays during peak travel hours at this busy intersection.”

The inspection is expected to be completed within one day. Motorists should be alert to directional signage and obey all traffic control devices. Be prepared to reduce speed as traffic merges to one lane in each location or take alternate routes. This is an active TxDOT work zone and traffic fines double when workers are present.

For more information, contact Rhonda.Oaks@txdot.gov or (936) 633-4395.