I just got back from a trip to the Laurens Proving Grounds outside of Greenville, South Carolina, where BF Goodrich revealed their new tire designed specifically for crossover vehicles, the Long Trail T/A Tour. I'll report on this event and this new tire soon -- but it got me thinking about tires in general.

On a properly designed and maintained SUV, the only part that touches the ground is your tire's contact patch -- an area about the size of a dinner plate. Many of us take our tires for granted, only paying attention to them when it's too late: when they've gone flat or when they're showing visible wear or cracking. Considering how vital your tires are to your SUV's performance and safety, it's plain nuts to ignore them.

I'm going to go outside right now and inspect Moose's tires, check for proper inflation and give them the once-over. I haven't done it in a while -- and I'd be willing to bet that you haven't, either. So why don't you do yourself, and your SUV, a favor? Take a few minutes and check out your tires. You may be surprised by what you find.

Photo © Jason Fogelson