A tire check is a must as a part of your car maintenance routine. Over time, heat may get into your tires and exacerbate your troubles as you travel long distances. Thus, your tires must be constantly monitored for any signs of wear and tear or you may end up getting stuck in the middle of nowhere with a flat.

Doing this regularly helps you maximize fuel economy and also allows you to extend the life of your tires. You need to ensure that you have the correct tools to make your assessment and if you are unsure, take it to a qualified technician.

If you are planning to head on a long trip soon, take a close look at this car tire safety checklist compiled by experts to help you decide what needs to be done to prepare.

• Do not buy used tires

If you need to replace your tires, please opt for brand new ones. Do not even try to buy used tires as doing so usually ends badly. These used tires may have been underinflated or overused and this can lead to terrible consequences. Even though they may look alright at a first glance, the seller might have neglected to mention that the tires were driven at high speeds or that the vehicle was constantly overloaded. These definitely make a huge difference to the durability of the tire. Tires can also be damaged while dismounting them from the seller’s vehicle. If you simply must buy a used tire, do check the condition of the tire and use that as a bargaining point to bring the price down. You do not need to overpay for old tires.

• Check the alignment

It is also important to always check the alignment of the wheels to ensure that there is no irregular wear and tear. The alignment of both the front wheels and the rear wheels should always be examined. Any misalignment of the wheels can impact your fuel economy as well. For front-wheel-drive cars, the alignment of all four wheels should be equal. This same instruction applies to cars that have an independent suspension at the rear. Whenever there is a sign of trouble, it is always recommended that you consult the owner’s manual and check the specifications for alignment.

• Follow good driving habits

There are some good driving habits to constantly follow in order to ensure that you are always one step ahead when it comes to extending the life of your tires. It is important to always follow the speed limit wherever they are posted as these are done for a particular reason. It is also a good idea to avoid fast starts and turns. Additionally, try not to brake suddenly. Another important tip is to never overload your vehicle as this puts a lot of pressure on the tires. Consult the owner’s manual to determine the vehicle’s capacity.

If you take good care, your car tires can last between 40,000 and 80,000 miles which is a significant figure. Try following this car tire safety checklist for better tire life and vehicle performance.