Keeping your car safe on the road is essential. Before you get behind the wheel, you should check its tires for signs of wear and tear, as these can lead to blowouts on the road.

The best way to prevent tire blowouts and auto insurance claims for accidents is to know how to check your tire pressure. Here’s how to do so.

In situations where the tire pressure gets too high or too low, it is possible for the tire to no longer function properly. And, as you drive, the tire can break apart. This can be a life-threatening situation. Not only do you risk harm, but also others can be hurt by flying tire debris.

Always know your tire pressure. A vehicle with tire pressure that’s too low is just as dangerous as a vehicle with overinflated tires.

Purchase a high-quality tire pressure gauge. You can find these at local hardware or auto parts stores. Use this gauge to determine the pressure or each tire.

The pressure your tire should be at depends on the make and model of your car. You can find this information in your owner’s manual. Once you know this information, here are a few tips.

• Check the pressure of your tires when they are cold. That means checking pressure before you drive the vehicle. If you recently drove the vehicle, wait at least three hours before checking the tires. This ensures the test is accurate.
• Locate the valve stem on the tire. This is an area with a small cap on it. Remove the cap. Then, insert the tire pressure gauge in it.
• Read the pressure. The gauge lists pressure as PSI (pounds per square inch). This reading needs to match the PSI noted in the owners’ manual. Some cars also have information about PSI requirements inside the driver’s side door.

Make adjustments as necessary. Keep in mind if you continue to lose air in the tires, this can be a sign of a leak.

If you find yourself dealing with a tire blowout on the road, hold the wheel steady. Then pull to the side of the road as soon as it is safe to do so.

If you suffer any type of accident due to a blowout, contact your Texas Insurance Agency representative. If your vehicle strikes the median or another car during this process, collision auto insurance may cover the damage. Your liability auto insurance can also help with incidents in which you strike another vehicle.

Keep in mind that most car insurance does not cover a simple tire replacement. This considered normal wear and tear on the vehicle, which is not covered by insurance. Depending on the nature of the wheel’s damage, check to see if your policy will pay.