It seems as though you just put those new tires on your car, truck or SUV. Or, maybe the vehicle was recently new and so were the tires. In either case, over time, the miles you put on the car, truck or SUV wear away at the tires until you need new tires again.

Depending on the tires, you should expect to get around 50,000 miles from a set of tires. Some tires will last longer and some not as long. How you drive and maintain your vehicle can have a lot to do with how long your tires last. These factors also come into play in terms of how safely you’re able to drive your car, truck or SUV.

There are several factors to consider in terms of getting the most out of your tires in terms of how long they last and how they affect safe operation of your car, truck or SUV. Here are the primary issues to consider:

Tire pressure

Tire pressure is a key factor in safe operation of your car, truck or SUV and how long the tires will last. According to the Rubber Manufacturers Association (RMA), only 1 out of every 10 drivers checks their tire pressure with appropriate frequency. They are far more likely to wash their cars more frequently. The opposite should be true.

Underinflated tires will wear the outside of the tires – the sidewalls – and can damage the tire to the extent that it could have a dangerous blowout. Overinflated tires, on the other hand, reduce the area of the tire that is in contact with the road. As a result, traction to get going and to stop are reduced.

Keep in mind that the weather plays a significant role in tire pressure. According to the RMA, when the temperature goes up 10 degrees, a tire can increase in tire pressure by 1 or 2 PSI.

Tire balance

If tires are not properly balanced they will wear irregularly. You should have your tires balanced annually, at least. It’s probably not a bad idea to do this after the winter and pothole season has passed.

Alignment

Keeping a car, truck or SUV properly aligned is critical to extending the life of the tires and providing for safer operation of the vehicle. Once again, this is a procedure you should bring the car, truck or SUV in for after the winter and pothole season has passed.

Worn front end and steering parts

Worn front end and steering parts can create serious hazards in the operation of your vehicle. Either way, they will adversely affect the wear on your tires. Worn front end and steering parts also have a contagious nature. A problem in one area tends to spread to other areas. Therefore, driving with worn front end or steering parts will cause wear that goes beyond the effect on your tires.

Don’t forget the spare

The spare tire is your insurance policy in case you get a flat tire. Without a spare, you may try to use a can of tire inflator but that may not work depending on how badly the tire is damaged. If your tire is beyond help and you don’t have a spare you’re at the mercy of a tow truck and, depending on where you’re at when the tire goes flat, an unfamiliar auto repair shop to get you back on the road.