Regular tire maintenance is an important safety precaution too often overlooked by busy drivers. Let me kindly remind you, tires are the only contact between your vehicle and the road. Taking great care with them will allow you a safer ride and probably save you a few bucks.

The number one most important concern of tire maintenance: regularly check tire pressures. Tires regularly lose about 1 psi per month from normal wear and tear. However keep an eye on the thermometer as well, tires will generally drop 1 psi per 10 degree temperature drop. Under inflation, according to tiresafety.com, is the leading cause of tire failure. Not only will tire failure ultimately ensue, you may be experience less efficient gas mileage.

Another important aspect of tire care is to make sure you have sufficient tread. To check tire tread depth place a penny with the top of Lincoln’s head directly towards the tires into the tread. If you can see the top of Abraham Lincoln’s head this is a sign of tread wear and you need new tires. A vehicle driving on tires with low or no tread can not properly hold a vehicle to the road. This is a danger not only to the driver and passengers of the vehicle, but anyone else on the road.

To prevent irregular and early wear and tear be sure to regularly rotate your tires. Most vehicles should have their tires rotated at least every 5,000 – 10,000 miles. For a more accurate rotation intervals check the owner’s manual. Rotating tires allow more uniform wear and usually a longer life. It is important to note if you are going to rotate the tires yourself there are specific patters in which tires should be rotated on different types of vehicles. Keep an eye on your tires and have a smooth ride!