We all love hopping in the car with family and friends and heading out for a fun-filled road trip. What we don't love is realizing one of our tires is flat, or worse—punctured. Luckily, there are a few things you can do right now to keep your travel plans running smoothly. 

Rotate and Align

Most car manufacturers recommend tire rotations every 4 - 6 thousand miles, which conveniently lines up with how often you should change your oil. Better yet, many places offer free tire rotations when you shop from their locations. 

While you're there, be sure to have your alignment checked. Wheels that are out of alignment can cause uneven wear on your tires, in addition to handling, breaking, and other potentially dangerous issues. Alignment checks are usually free with other services, so be sure to opt in if the choice is offered.

Maintain Air Pressure

Too much or too little air can result in a number of unwanted and possibly dangerous outcomes. You'll experience rapid, uneven wear, and tires that are improperly filled have a higher chance of a blowout. Tire pressure can even affect traction, braking, and gas mileage. 

Try and follow the manufacturer's pressure recommendations when filling your tires. These can be found in your car manual, online, on the sidewall of your tires, or from any auto shop. If you do notice your tires are low, you can stop by a number of locations, including gas stations and even super markets, to fill up for free.

Be Aware

You can learn a lot simply by paying attention to how your car drives. Tires that are properly inflated, rotated, and aligned should all wear down at a similar rate, providing a smooth ride as you travel. 

Any wobbles, odd noises, or uneven wear can indicate that something is wrong and should get looked at. Catching these issues early can help maximize your tire life and aid in preventing costly replacements. 

Safe Travels!

Are your tires looking a little worse for wear? Progressive Leasing offers simple, flexible payment options from over 30,000 retail partner locations. Visit progleasing.com to locate a tire store near you.