No two drivers are alike. From the kind of vehicle they drive to their preferred speed on the highway, everyone's driving experience is unique.  No matter what their preferences behind the wheel, however, one thing all drivers have in common is the way their cars connect to the road: tires. As the point of contact between the pavement and your vehicle, keeping your tires well-maintained is key to enjoying a safe and efficient ride. Here are some best practices to keep your tires performing at their peak:

Inflation

Even though tires are made of thick rubber and are fitted over strong metal wheels, 95 percent of the weight of your car is actually supported simply by air. As integral as air pressure is to a healthy tire, about 50 percent of vehicles on the road in Canada have at least one tire that is either over or underinflated by more than 10 percent. One reason this is so common is that tire pressure changes of up to 20 percent are unnoticeable just by looking at the tire. To be sure your tires are full enough, check them with a pressure gage at least once a month.

When checking the pressure, make sure your tires aren't still warm from driving. The heat can cause the air in your tires to expand, momentarily boosting the pressure. To know how much to fill each tire, look for the vehicle manufacturer's recommended pressures printed on the vehicle's tire information label. It is usually attached to the edge of the driver's door, the door post, the glove box or the fuel door. If you can't find the label, check your owner's manual.

Wear

When checking you tires for pressure, it is good to get in the habit of checking them for wear as well. If they have worn even with the tread wear indicators on the outside of the tire, it's time to replace them. Other signs you could need new tires are cracks, cuts or bulges in the sidewall.

More than just an indicator of how much strength your tires have in them, however, the way a tire wears tells a story of how the wheel is performing. If your tires are wearing unevenly it could mean that they are out of alignment and are dragging a bit instead of rolling freely. This could increase fuel consumption, reduce tire life and cause problems with the vehicle's handling. Uneven wear could also indicate unbalanced wheels. If you feel pounding or shaking through the steering wheel or your seat as well, it is likely a balance issue rather than misalignment. Poorly balanced wheels could shorten the life of suspension components, lead to uneven tire wear (bald spots) and increase fuel consumption.

If you suspect your wheels need to be replaced or serviced in any way, contact a tire professional. To make sure you have the best car repair insurance for your driving needs, contact Fundy Mutual, providing affordable and quality car insurance in Rothesay and the surrounding areas.