Flat or blown out tires are one of the worst mechanical malfunctions that can happen to your vehicle on the road, but are also one of the most likely, due to your tires' constant friction with the surface of the road. Friction and age can combine to cause a catastrophic air leak that can leave you stranded and waiting for help. Fortunately, there are a few things that you can do to minimize the risk of developing a flat tire, and extend the lifespan of your car's tires more generally.
Check the Air Pressure
One of the simplest, but also one of the most important, things that you can do to maintain the integrity of your tires is to make sure that they are inflated to the proper air pressure. The recommended PSI range for your tires is printed directly on their sidewall for easy reference, and most gas stations have pumps that are inexpensive and easy to use to check the pressure and adjust it as necessary. Doing this regularly, especially before big trips and as the temperature changes - since heat will increase the air pressure of your tires while cold will decrease it, since the air will expand and contract, respectively - can help you always get the best traction and durability out of your tires.
Rotation
Tires rotate all the time, but rotating your tires refers to switching the front tires with the back tires. This is because of the unequal weight distribution, among other factors, that causes the tires in the front of your vehicle to wear at a faster rate than the ones at the back. What this means is that if you don't rotate your tires, you run the risk of developing a leak or blowing out the front tires. Rotation will ensure that you get the maximum lifespan possible out of your entire set of tires.
Balance and Alignment
In a similar vein to the above point, one of the most effective ways to keep your tires in good working order is to check their balance and alignment regularly - like every time you get the oil changed. Balance refers to the weight distribution of the tire: if it's a little bit off, a single section of your tire can experience greater stress and develop into a weak point. Alignment refers to the angle that your tires are all point in: tires pulling away from or towards each other will not only wear away faster, but also cause stress and damage to your suspension and steering systems.
Contact a service center, like Walker Tire / Quick Nick's (2 separate businesses), for more help.
I have never been an especially handy person, but a few years ago I decided that I needed to learn more about my vehicle. I was tired of always relying on someone else to fix things, so I began reading more and more about the process. I realized that there were a lot of things that I needed to do, so I began taking a little course on at-home auto service. I still have a lot to learn, but now I can at least go through and change my air filter and check my oil. Read this blog to learn more about auto service.