The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration estimates that underinflated tires resulted in 300,000 accidents per year in America alone. Additionally, studies indicate as many as 80% of vehicles on the road regularly have at least one tire that is underinflated.

Having an accident caused by a tire problem is a scary thought, but also easy to avoid. Just follow these simple tips to lessen your chances of a tire-related fender bender:

Timing is everything…Tire-Information-World suggests the best time to check your tire pressure is when the car has been off for at least three hours.

As you drive, tires get warmer. Tire pressure will be off after driving because the hot air will cause the tire to expand, making you think there’s more air in the tire than is actually there.

Don’t overinflate your tires. An article from BlineTrafficSchools.com explains, “If your tire pressure is too high, less of the tire will be in contact with the road. This means you won’t have good traction and your car may even bounce around on the road.”

For best results, use the tire pressure recommended in your owner’s manual rather than the number on your tires. The number on your tire is actually a maximum number.

Don’t leave your tires underinflated. “Pressure which is too low will cause tires to overheat, especially at high speeds and greatly increase the chance of suffering a blowout,” according to Tire-Information-World.

Check your tire pressure early in the day and often so you’ll know exactly where the rubber meets the road.

If you do have a tire-related accident, just give Great Plains Auto Body a call at (402) 334-7100. You’ll be back on the road in no time!