Tires are the most vital part of any vehicle. They are the ones that pull the vehicle along and also keep it balanced. In fact, they are the only things between you and the road so, it is essential to keep them well-maintained at all times. Here are a few tips for your car tire safety. These easy tips will not only help optimize the longevity of the tires but also increase fuel efficiency and driving performance.

• Check the tire pressure regularly. Tires can lose about one pound per square inch of air (PSI) every month, and it could be more in cold weather. So ensure to properly check tire pressure. Such tires reduce vehicle handling and gas mileage. They could cause premature tread and wear and also a disastrous blowout. So it’s best to regularly check and maintain the correct tire pressure of your car. The appropriate tire pressure is usually given in the owner’s manual.
• Rotate tires on a regular basis to extend the life and also enhance performance. It is recommended that they are rotated once in every 10,000 to 12,000km (approximately 6000-7500 miles) or 6 months. This is a critical car tire safety rule.
• It is easy for the wheel alignment of the car to go haywire especially if you use it a lot or due to daily impacts on potholes, railroad crossings or in more severe circumstances a car crash. So it is advisable to get a wheel alignment done every year or after every 25,000 kilometers (approximately 15500 miles) to avoid any uneven tread wear.
• Make frequent inspection a regular car tire safety rule. Check the tires every month and look out for cracks or bulges or any objects lodged in the tires. One should also check for punctures or any uneven tread wear.
• To save on costs, people often change only one or two tires or the ones that are affected. Not replacing all tires together or having mismatched tires can lead to fast and uneven tread wear or cause mechanical issues.
• Get wheel balancing of tires done on a regular basis. Having an unbalanced tire set can lead to premature and fast wear and tear. It is best to get the wheel balancing done every time you change or rotate the tires or buy new ones.
• An important car tire safety rule is to look after the spare tire well. You will need it in emergency situations. Ensure that the spare tire is clean and free of grease or gasoline as it might deteriorate the tire. Make sure that the tire is inflated at the right pressure at all times.
• Replace tires when needed. Be alert about the tire tread as an indication for changing tires. Remember a good tire is a safe tire so make it an active part of the car tire safety regime.
• Change punctured tires properly and immediately. Always take the affected tire to the mechanic immediately as you might need to use it even if you have a spare one.
• Make it a habit to clean the dirt and grime off the tires daily. They will not only look clean, but their life cycle will also increase.