Hey Lykkers! Today, let's dive into something crucial for our daily driving—tire maintenance. Did you know that nearly 46% of traffic accidents on highways are caused by tire failures?

That's a huge number, and 70% of those are tire blowouts! Keeping our tires in top shape not only ensures safety but also saves us on fuel and maintenance costs.

So, how can we become tire care pros? Here are six easy tips to keep your tires running smoothly and safely!

1. Regularly Check Tire Pressure

Tire pressure—it's something we all hear about often, but it's so easy to overlook. The right pressure is key to extending the life of our tires and improving fuel efficiency. The pressure can drop in the winter due to the cold, so during this season, it's smart to add a little more air—just don't overdo it.

On the flip side, during the hot summer months, over-inflated tires are a real risk, as they could lead to blowouts. Always check your tire pressure regularly, and make it a habit to monitor it using your car's tire pressure monitoring system.

2. Clear Out Debris from Tread

Over time, small stones and debris can get trapped in the tire tread, especially after driving on gravel roads or construction zones. If these are left unattended, they can cause a rough ride, and worse—damaging the tire itself. It's important to regularly check for stones or bits of debris and gently remove them using a tool like a key or a small brush.

If you're driving at high speeds and these items are lodged deep within the tire tread, they can cause a blowout, which is extremely dangerous. Keep your tires clean!

3. Check for Tread Wear

Tires lose their grip and traction as they wear down, which can make our cars more prone to skidding or losing control, especially in wet conditions. So, how can we tell when it's time for a new set of tires? Most tires have a wear indicator built into the tread. Once the tread wears down to the wear mark (usually when it reaches 1.6mm), it's time to replace the tires. Keep an eye on this so you're not caught off guard with worn-out tires.

4. Rotate Tires Regularly

We've all noticed that sometimes, our cars seem to pull to one side while driving. This could be a sign that the tires are wearing unevenly. That's where tire rotation comes in. By rotating the tires every 6,000 to 8,000 miles, we can make sure that all four tires wear down evenly, giving them a longer life and better performance. It also helps with maintaining consistent steering and handling, so your car feels as smooth as ever.

5. Patch Small Punctures Quickly

We all know the feeling when we hear a strange sound or feel the car vibrating, and then we realize—it's a flat tire! If a small nail or bolt punctures the tire but doesn't go all the way through, it might seem tempting to leave it. However, you should never ignore it.

Even if the puncture looks minor, get it patched or replaced as soon as possible to avoid a blowout later on. And remember, if the puncture is too large or in a critical area, it's better to swap out the tire with a spare and take the damaged tire to a professional for repair.

6. Avoid Road Shoulders and Potholes

Parking on the side of the road or driving over large potholes might not seem like a big deal, but it can really damage your tires. Parking on the road shoulder can put extra pressure on the side of the tire, possibly leading to sidewall damage or even tire bulges.

And potholes? They're a tire's worst nightmare. When your tire hits a pothole, it can cause a sudden pressure shock that might damage the structure of the tire. Avoid potholes whenever possible, and try not to park on the shoulder of the road to keep your tires in top shape.

As we wrap up, remember that good driving habits are just as important as tire maintenance. A smooth ride isn't just about avoiding accidents—it's about treating your car with care, from tire pressure to avoiding potholes. So, let's take good care of our tires, and they'll take care of us. Stay safe, Lykkers, and keep your wheels rolling!