Think about it. Driving is one of the most dangerous things we do in our lives. We rely on four tires with a contact patch the size of our hands to keep us traveling down the road safely. So keeping our tires in good shape is important!

Here are some tips to help you do that:

Check your tire pressure monthly

Tires can lose approximately one pound per square inch of air (PSI) per month. A tire can lose even more in cold weather climates, like ours. So if you rely on your vehicle repair shop to check your tire pressure only at oil changes or tire rotations, you could be putting you and your family at risk.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the leading cause of tire-related crashes is under inflated tires. Underinflated tires decrease vehicle handling and gas mileage, and can lead to premature tread wear and a catastrophic blowout. Tires can be expensive, but by checking your tire pressure regularly, you can extend their life. To find the appropriate tire pressures for your car, check your owner’s manual or the placard on your car’s door frame.

Inspect tires regularly, especially before long road trips

At the time you’re checking tire pressure or washing your car, do a physical inspection of your tires. Don’t be afraid to get down on your hands and knees to do your inspection. Things to look for include cracks, bulges, and objects that may have punctured the tire, such as nails, screws, glass, or stones. If one of these objects punctures the sidewall of your tire, your tire will need to be replaced.

If you’re going on a long road trip, check your tire pressure and inspect your tires before you leave home. It’s much easier to inspect your tires in the safety and comfort of your own garage or driveway than on the side of the freeway with cars zipping by at 65mph or faster.

If you do experience a tire failure while traveling, consider calling a tire professional in that area to help you change or replace your tire.

Rotate, rotate, rotate

In order to maintain even tread wear and to get the maximum life out of your tires, it’s recommended that you rotate your tires every 6,000 to 8,000 miles. If you buy a set of tires from your local tire store or vehicle maintenance shop, they may provide free tire rotation. If they don’t, tire rotations are fairly inexpensive.

Don’t overload your vehicle

Located on the placard on your door frame is information on how much weight your vehicle can safely handle. Overloading a vehicle can also cause tire failure.

Don’t wait until your tires are on their death bed to replace

Tires are expensive and not particularly fun to buy; however, driving on your tires past their useful life puts you and your family in danger.

Most tires have a wear bar between the treads of the tire. If the tire tread depth is at or below this bar, it’s time for new tires. Another trick is to use a penny to check tread wear. Turn the penny upside down so Abraham Lincoln’s head is between the tread. If you can see the top of Honest Abe’s head, then it’s time for new tires.