Pennsylvania drivers know that they have to care for their tires on a regular basis; otherwise, they put themselves and others on the road at risk. The following are the basics of tire maintenance, which drivers can fulfill on their own. It all begins with a tire inspection every month, or every two weeks if owners regularly drive long distances or over uneven roads.

Drivers are to look for any wear and tear, which should be clearly visible. Over-inflated tires will wear out the center because it bulges out, while under-inflated tires sag and cause the edges to wear out sooner. In poorly aligned cars, one side will wear out faster than the other. The second issue to inspect for is shallow tread. Place a quarter upside down into the tread; if the tread does not hide any part of George Washington’s head, then it is shallow.

While driving, owners can listen for thumping or rumbling, which could signify a separated radial belt, chopped tire or other issues. If the car pulls to one side, this signifies that the wheel alignment is off. Having a mechanic inspect it is essential.

With a tire gauge, owners should measure their tire pressure and ensure that it meets the recommended measurements. AAA recommends that drivers have their tires rotated and balanced every 5,000 to 7,000 miles.

Failure to maintain the tires could increase the risk for a car accident. Those who are injured through no fault of their own can see a lawyer about filing a claim against the other party’s auto insurance company. The lawyer might hire third parties to gather proof, including the police report, physical evidence at the crash site and photographs of the tires. The lawyer may then negotiate for a fair settlement, sidestepping the insurance company’s aggressive tactics.