Tires are expensive.  A set of four decent brand name tires will cost close to $1,000 or more. Tires do more than just cost money. Good tires can save your life. Bad tires will cause an accident you don’t want to visualize.

CHECK THE TIRE PRESSURE REGULARLY. If you own a newer vehicle and haven’t replaced the tires, the information panel on one of the doors should list the correct tire pressure. The pressure should also be listed in the owner’s manual. Many vehicles require different pressure in the front and back tires. Make sure you know the exact pressure that’s required before adding air. Over inflating a tire could cause it to blow up.

Inspect tires for obvious signs of concern such as embedded nails or worn tread. Check the sidewalls to make sure there are no bulges or bubbles. If you hit a curb or pothole, the tire may develop a bulge on the side. The bulge causes a weak spot in the tire, and it may blow out while you’re driving.

Inspect wheels and/or rims for broken elements, spokes, or lug nuts.

We can’t discuss tires without mentioning tread wear. Tires should wear evenly from side to side. The front tires should wear at the same rate as the rear tires. Make sure to have your tires rotated at the mileage recommended by the vehicle’s manufacturer.

If you notice that one tire is worn more than the other three, it might be time for a wheel alignment check. If you notice any of the following signs, schedule a wheel alignment check before your tire is totally ruined.

• Inner edge of tire is worn more than the outer edge
• Outer edge of tire is worn more than the inner edge
• One tire is more worn than the other 3.

If the center of your tire is worn more than the edges, chances are your tire is over inflated. If the edges are worn more than the center, your tire is probably under inflated.