It seems a little strange, but one of the most critical components of our car, truck or SUV, namely it’s tires, go largely ignored by most drivers. Tires are inextricably interwoven with safety. Why is there this tendency to take them for granted?

We tend to think of tires like we think of electricity. Electric power is taken for granted. We never give it a second thought until it goes out. But when it does, all manner of inconvenience follows.

It's the same with tires. We would just as soon ignore them. All is well until we get a flat or blowout. Then all sorts of disruptions are apt to follow. We miss an important meeting, cannot get to the gym or have to pass up lunch with a friend. Or worse, our tires were in such poor condition that they contributed to an accident. And the list goes on.

Fortunately, tire makers today are consistently improving tire performance and safety. Nevertheless, we, as car owners, have to cooperate. All things mechanical can only take so much wear and tear. Regardless of the superb quality and performance currently available, tires have their limits. It's up to us to provide ongoing maintenance in the form of correct tire pressure, regular rotation, proper alignment and balancing. All that said, whether through calamity, neglect or ordinary wear and tear there inevitably comes a time when tire replacement is unavoidable. We dread the root canal and we dread the tire dealer.

Aside from safety concerns, did you know that proper tire inflation can assure that you are maximizing fuel economy for your vehicle. In this era of pumped up gas prices, not only is it prudent to shop for the best fuel prices, but regular checking of tire pressure can significantly ease the pain you’re feeling at the pump.

Sadly, studies have shown that almost no one drives with properly inflated tires. Usually, tires are under-inflated. It’s been estimated that the average American driver, maintaining the right tire pressure, can save over $400 annually.

If this is not enough of an incentive, think of the reduction in air pollution, especially carbon dioxide emissions. If everyone throughout the world paid attention to their tire pressure, we could easily slow or reverse global damage to the environment.

One thing is for certain. If you’re ignoring your tires you’re doing so at your peril.


Robert G. Knechtel operates a number of websites covering a variety of topics of concern to consumers, including All About Car Tires, Truck Tires & More - TiresNotes.Com, and A Blog Site About Tires.