(NAPSI)—Taking five minutes to check your tires before your next road trip can be well worth it, considering the potential dangers and time lost by blowing out a tire.

The Problem

As temperatures increase, so does the frequency of tire blowouts. For every 10-degree increase in ambient temperature, tires naturally inflate with one additional pound PSI (per square inch). Improperly inflated tires lead to decreased steering and braking control, excessive wear and increased fuel consumption. Plus, the added weight of a road trip-packed vehicle can further exacerbate pressure and stress on your tires.

Nevertheless, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, only 19 percent of consumers keep their tires properly inflated. Improper tire care contributes to about 200 fatalities each year.

Moreover, having a spare to lean on may no longer be possible. Inflator kits have replaced spare tires in as many as 29 million vehicles in the last 10 years, according to recent research from AAA. More than a third of 2015 model year vehicles did not include a spare tire.

What You Can Do

Discount Tire, the world’s largest tire and wheel retailer, offers five important tips to consider before hitting the road:

1. Know your PSI—The specific inflation pressure number is listed on the vehicle label located on the doorpost, fuel door, glove box or in the owner’s manual. Cold inflation pressure refers to the pressure in a tire that has not been driven for at least three hours. As tires warm during driving, it is normal for pressure to build. Do not bleed or reduce air pressure when tires are hot. The tire air pressure listed on the tire sidewall is the maximum pressure and should not be confused with the correct pressure for your vehicle.
2. Tread on me—Insufficient tread affects the tire’s ability to maintain safe traction, especially in wet driving conditions. Check for uneven wear, which is an indicator that something is wrong with the tire. Perform a penny test for tread depth by inserting a penny head down into the tread. If Lincoln’s entire head is visible, it’s time to replace the tire.
3. Don’t forget the spare—Check the pressure of the spare if you have one. If the vehicle doesn’t come with a spare, ensure that there is a functioning tire inflation kit in the vehicle.
4. Rotate often—Regular rotation helps achieve uniform tire wear and improves road performance. As a general rule, tires rotated every 6,000 miles last longer.
5. Don’t overload—Surpassing a vehicle’s or trailer’s carrying capacity is dangerous and can lead to blowout, especially in high heat. Handling, braking and control are also reduced. Check the owner’s manual for load capacity specifications prior to packing the vehicle.

These simple vehicle safety checks can help you spend more time relaxing on vacation, less time on the side of the road.

If a tire-service situation does arise, you can get help at any of the more than 900 Discount Tire stores around the country. Free tire air pressure inspections are provided at all Discount Tire and America’s Tire locations.

Learn More

For further advice on tire safety, visit www.discounttire.com.