One way to avoid auto insurance claims is to properly maintain your tires. Tires are a common cause of accidents. If they wear too thin, they are likely to cause a flat. This can lead to an accident.

You can avoid this by knowing how to check your tires. It is best to have your mechanic provide a full tire inspection from time to time. However, you can also check your tires yourself to ensure they are safe.

Is It Time to Replace Your Tires?

Many drivers do not think about their tires. It does not cross your mind until you are in an accident or have a flat on the side of the road. Avoid this with proper tire maintenance. To determine how much tread you have on your tires, find a quarter. The tread is the amount of elevated surface of the tire. Place the quarter upside down into one of the grooves on the tire. If the top of George Washington's head is flush with the tread, that indicates you have 4/32 of an inch in tread present. Anything less than this indicates it is time for you to get new tires.

Do this at least once a week if you drive every day. If you drive long distances, your tread will wear down significantly sooner. In all situations, you will need to ensure you speak to a tire specialist if the tread is minimal.

Other Steps to Keeping Your Tires in Good Condition

Take a look at your vehicle's owner's manual. This outlines all of the safety and driving tips you need to stay safe. It provides recommendations for the types of tires you should use on your car. It also tells you specifically how much tread is acceptable. It will tell you how much to inflate your tires as well. Learn how to visually inspect your tires, too.

All of this helps you stay safe on the road. You need this information to minimize the risk that the tire will fail while you are driving the car. All drivers need to learn these steps. If you have a teen or a new driver in your home, be sure they know how to understand tread depth. When in doubt, ask a reliable and trusted mechanic to offer information to you about tire tread for your vehicle. This helps you avoid having to file car insurance claims. To learn more about how your auto insurance corresponds with tires safety, contact our office today.