Your tires are one of the most important parts of your car. They are the barrier between your car and the road, so keeping them maintained is important for your safety. Plus, keeping your tires properly cared for can help to extend their life, so you don’t have to shell out money for a new set before it’s necessary. Follow these steps to make sure your tires last as long as they should.

1) Inspect your tires regularly

If your tires are damaged or starting to show signs of wear, it might not be obvious unless you give them a good inspection. Make sure you’re giving your tires a good once-over every few weeks, especially before long car rides. It’s also a good idea to have your tires inspected by a professional once a year.

2) Check your tire pressure

Your tire’s pressure needs to be adjusted occasionally, so checking it regularly is important. Your car’s tire pressure has a huge effect on your driving, including your vehicle’s handling and braking abilities. Tire pressure is especially important in wet or snowy driving conditions. If your tires are underinflated, heat can build up and your tires could fail prematurely.

3) Don’t overload your car

Every tire has a load capacity. If you overload your vehicle past the tire’s capacity, it can exert too much pressure on your tires, resulting in your tires failing. Always make sure you know how much weight your tires can take, and don’t overload it.

4) Avoid driving at excessive speeds

While certain speeds are unavoidable, especially when it comes to highway driving, driving at lower speeds can help to extend the life of your tires. Driving at high speeds increases the risk that your tires will be damaged by road hazards or by a buildup of heat as a result of friction. High speeds also increase the risk that your tires will lose air or even explode, causing you to lose control of your car.

5) Make use of your spare tire

If one of your tires appears to be damaged or looks worn down, it’s important to make use of your spare tire before the damage gets any worse or jeopardizes your safety. Even if you plan on getting your tire replaced soon, avoid any unnecessary accidents by replacing your tire with your spare in the meantime. Then get it checked by a professional as soon as possible.