Tires have an enormous impact on the performance and safety of your vehicle. Quality tires in good condition will give you a smooth ride and allow you optimal vehicle control and stopping ability. By taking proper care of your tires, you can keep your car driving smoothly and avoid accidents while saving money at the same time.

When your tires are new, take a diligent look at the tread design and depth and make a mental note of their appearance. Periodically check your tires for any drastic changes, such as uneven wear, bald spots or exposed wire. Normal wear should occur evenly across each tire, and should not happen quickly or to only one tire. In the event that you have a flat tire, have the tire examined by a professional to determine if a repair is possible. Ensure that the tire is taken off of the rim and checked for internal damage.

Maintaining the proper tire inflation level is extremely important to the longevity and effectiveness of your tires. Tires are manufactured with their own precise inflation requirement, expressed in pounds per square inch, which is printed in the owner's manual and likely inside your vehicle's driver door panel or glove compartment. If you have replaced your car's tires with a different kind, make sure you are inflating the tires to the recommended level for that type.

Tires that are under inflated not only have a shorter life span, but can also cause your vehicle to use more fuel, hurting your gas mileage and generating excess pollution. Being inflated below or above the recommended level can cause a tire to fail, leaving you stranded. Maintain a regular schedule of checking your tire pressure using a quality tire gauge, even if it never seems to change. A puncture or leak can cause a tire to dramatically lose air and become dangerously under inflated in a short period of time.

Your driving habits also affect the progression of wear and tear that your tires will endure. Common sense will tell you that spinning your tires on pavement can harm the tread, but you can also damage your tires by starting, stopping, and turning quickly. To preserve your tread and get the optimum use out of your tires, drive conservatively and avoid hitting or scraping curbs.

Worn or damaged tires can cause your car to drive shakily, unsafely and with more road noise, and ignoring these symptoms will result in further tire damage. Do not postpone replacing tires at the right time, and make sure you dispose of old tires properly. An auto repair or tire retail store should be able to dispose of or recycle your old tires for a minimal fee.