We all like saving money , right? In this type of economy that has become more important than ever. Every dollar counts and every dime earned is carefully tracked in a budget that doesn't allow much wiggle room. It is during times like this that expenses like new Cooper tires are even more difficult to swallow. Fortunately there are some things that you can do to extend the life of your tires and save yourself the expense of purchasing new tires for down the road. As convenient as vehicles can be they often require a good deal of maintenance to keep them running safely and smoothly. Tires are second only to brakes when it comes to maintaining a safe vehicle so it makes sense that proper tire maintenance is key to avoiding a blowout, an accident, or worse. One of the most important elements of tire maintenance, yet often one of the most forgotten, is the tire pressure. Using a tire pressure gauge you can check tire pressure in under 15 minutes. Properly inflated tires perform better when braking and accelerating, wear more evenly, and even improve fuel efficiency; saving you money at the gas pump. The tire pressure should be checked on a weekly or bi-weekly basis and filled as needed. While you are doing your check of the tire pressure, it's also a good time to check your tires for signs of wear , bald spots or areas where the inner tire is visible. These are indications that your tires need to be replaced and could result in a blown tire if not changed. You can also use this time to do the penny test to check the tread depth. Place a Lincoln penny upside down between the tread and if Lincoln's head is visible it's time for some new tires. Tires with low tread are more likely to loose traction in wet or slippery conditions as well as during fast braking. Part of your routine vehicle maintenance should be frequent oil changes. While this will do a lot for your vehicle's engine and transmission it won't do much for your tires. But this is a great time to get the tires rotated . It doesn't cost much but will help your tires wear more evenly and prolong the necessity of new tires. The number one priority for all of us when it comes to our vehicles should be safety; getting our most precious cargo, our families, from one place to another in the safest way possible. Our second priority is saving money. Properly maintained tires accomplish both of these. They are less likely to have a blow out and the life of your tires is extended.