Your poor tires probably take more stress than any other part of your car. Think about it. Tires are in contact with literally thousands of miles worth of road every year. We put so much faith in our tires, but are we taking proper care of them?

Nobody wants an accident or an insurance claim, but not taking care of your tires can lead to these nasty things. Here are some tips on keeping your tires in tip-top shape.

Each car needs a specific type of tire, and you should know what yours is. This information should be readily available in your car manual. Other factors can then play into the type of tire you choose. Things like weather (snow, ice, etc.) as well as terrain (rocky roads, mountains, etc.) should influence the type of tires you purchase.

Traction Check: The best way to insure even wear on your tires is to have them rotated regularly. This should be done every 6000 to 7500 miles. If you�re getting abnormal wear on your tires then have a technician check your alignment along with rotation.

Pressure Check: Be sure to check your tire pressure with regularity. We recommend using your own tire pressure with a pressure gauge. You should also know what your vehicle�s recommended tire pressure is. This information should be available in your owner�s manual. Also, check your tire pressure when your tires are cold to ensure accuracy.

• Under inflation of tires is the number 1 cause of tire damage and failure. It causes problems like bad handling, defective wear, and poor fuel economy.
• Over inflation causes similar problems like poor handling and wear on tires. It can also cause an unusually bumpy ride.

Proper Care: There are some things you can do to control the usability of your tires

• Follow the speed limit
• Avoid fast starts and stops
• Watch out for potholes, bumps, curbs, or other obstructions on the road
• Do not spin your tires when stuck in the mud, snow, or sand

Tire Replacement: How to determine if you need new tires

• Bulges or splits
• Unfixable punctures or gashes
• When your tread has been worn down to 1/16� or less you will see markings on your tires called Treadwear Indicators. Replace if you see three or more.
• If you can see ANY cords or fabric showing through the rubber

It doesn�t matter how fast or slow you drive, flat tires are always a real possibility. If you have a flat or think that you are about to, activate your hazard lights and drive to the nearest safe area away from traffic. You can replace with a spare, but this is not a permanent fixture, it is only meant to be temporary. Be sure to get your regular tire fixed immediately.