Your tires are arguably one of the most important parts of your car, next to maybe only the engine. If you have a tire give out, you won't be going anywhere until you get a spare put on or get the tire repaired or replaced. To that end, one of the most important things you can do to ensure that your tires last a long time is to make sure you maintain proper tire pressure. Here's why maintaining tire pressure is so important and some basic tips for how you can go about accomplishing this task.

Poor Tire Pressure Leads to Poor Handling

Your tires are what keep your car safely on the road. A properly inflated tire will be able to grip the road with ease as you make a turn or come to a sudden stop. Proper inflation ensure that your tires' tread can do its job at 100 percent efficiency. A poor inflated tire though could put you into a dangerous situation. Tires that are not properly inflated won't be able to grip the road quite as well and this could lead to poor handling. It could even lead to a dangerous situation if you need to suddenly swerve one way or another and your tires are not up to the task. Under-inflation could also prove dangerous when the roads are bad and your tires need to deal with snow and ice on the road. Finally, poor tire pressure will cause additional wear and tear on your tread, leading you to need brand-new tires sooner rather than later.

Consult Your Manufacturer's Manual

If you are not sure what the exact pressure your tires should be maintained at, you can likely find this information in your manufacturer's manual. You know, that book in your glove compartment that you never, ever look at? Go ahead and pull it out and educate yourself on the amount of tire pressure suggested for your specific car. Most air pumps at gas stations will default to 32 or 36 PSI, but your vehicle could require something else for maximum efficiency depending on the car. If you can't find your manual, simply call the local dealer and ask.

Get Air Put in Your Tires Once a Month

You don't have to use the air pump at the gas station every time you fill up, but if you really want to maximize your tire lifespan, try to get to the air pump once a month. Top off all four tires to the desired PSI. This really only takes maybe five minutes to hit all four tires if you are just topping them off, so there's no excuse for avoiding this.

If you notice issues with your tire or have a tire that is continually deflating or losing pressure, contact a local tire shop for help