Although some flat tire incidents are due to wear and tear or an abandoned nail in the road, often flat tires can be avoided if some preventative measures are taken. Routine tire maintenance is important when trying to avoid tire problems during your already busy schedule.   Mercury Insurance provides some time-tested tire tips:

• One of the leading causes of flat tires is under-inflation. Under-inflation not only causes flat tires but also manipulates the handling of your vehicle and decreases your miles per gallon. It is important to check your tire pressure at least once a month and most importantly before long road trips. It is important to check the tire pressure after about three to four hours after the car has been driven for the most accurate results.
• The second leading cause of tire failure is overloading your vehicle. Be aware of your vehicle’s passenger and cargo load capacity by checking with the owner’s manual or inside the driver side door.
• There’s an easy and convenient trick to knowing if your tires are ready to be replaced from basic wear and tear. If you put a penny into a tread groove and see Abraham Lincoln’s head, including his beard, then the tire needs to be replaced. If only part of Lincoln’s head is covered, you are good to go.
• Sometimes uneven wear in the tires can pose as a problem as well. If there is any sign of uneven wear, unusually smooth areas, or high and low areas, be sure to get with a tire dealer to see what is causing the problem and what the best solution is.
• It is important to check the tire alignment of your vehicle at least once a year, or after enduring any rough roads, including after a collision. Misaligned tires not only ruin the tread on your tires, but they also affect the steering and decrease gas mileage.

Contact Young Insurance, located in Burbank, California, for all of your auto and home insurance needs.