Many drivers don't think about their car's tires until one of them blows out. Fortunately, some common problems can be avoided by performing regular maintenance on them. Having tires that are worn down can increase your chances of getting into an accident, which is why it is so important to perform the following maintenance and look at the signs of replacement.

Maintenance Tips

Making sure your tires are properly inflated is key to ensuring that you do not have an unexpected blowout. The recommended air pressure is imprinted on the side of the tire, and it helps to periodically check the air pressure to ensure that you are not driving on tires that do not have enough air.

Be careful not to put too much air into a tire either, because that can also cause problems. The air inside will expand when it gets hot, which can happen from driving for long stretches at high speeds on the freeway.

Always keep the current temperature outside in mind when thinking about the air pressure in your tires. Air pressure can increase or decrease 1psi when the temperature rises or lowers by 10 degrees.

It also helps to get your wheels aligned and tires rotated periodically. Front tires see more wear and tear due to the added pressure while turning, which is why it helps to rotate your tires from back to front. Wheel alignments help make sure everything is balanced and that tires wear evenly across the entire tread.

Replacement Signs

Bulges and bubbles on the side of the tire is a huge red flag that your car's tires need replacement. Ignoring this problem could lead to the tires blowing out unexpectedly.

You also want to make sure your tires have enough tread on them so that they are not balding. Most states have laws that state tires are officially worn out when they have 2/32" of tread on them. You can measure the tread using a tire depth gauge or a penny. Driving with tires that do not have much tread on them can cause you to hydroplane in wet road conditions. This is because the water on the road passes through the tread of the tire.

If you have questions regarding the state of your tires, have them inspected at a local auto shop, such as at Medina Muffler Repair Service. They will be able to perform an alignment, rotation, and verify the tread depth for you.