You may already know about the basics of tire care, but there may be a few items on this list that you haven't thought about. Follow these suggestions and you'll increase your chances of getting the most value frorm your tires.

Here are four types of preventive tire care and maintenance you can have performed to extend the service life of your tires.

1) Maintain proper air pressure by having each tire checked once per month.

2) Have your tires rotated with every oil change to encourage even tread wear and longer service life.

3) Keep your vehicle properly aligned so that your tires roll down the road in precisely the same direction.

4) Check your tread depth by inserting a penny into the grooves. (If you can see all of Abraham Lincoln’s head, it’s time for new tires.)

Here are a few reminders from the Rubber Manufacturers Association on how to maximize tire life while you’re behind the wheel.

1) Avoid fast - or jackrabbit - starts, abrupt stops and high-speed turns.

2) If it’s possible to do so safely, steer clear of potholes and road debris.

3) Don’t run over curbs or rub your tires against a curb when you’re parking.

4) Don’t overload your vehicle. Check your owner’s manual for the maximum weight your vehicle can safely carry (passengers included). Overloaded tires can overheat and are more prone to blowouts.

Tire Storage Tips

If you’ll be storing a vehicle, keep this story in mind. A car dealer we know sold a pricey new sports car after it had been on their showroom floor for about a year. Shortly after the car was sold, the new owner came back to the dealer complaining about noisy tires. Turns out the car sat so long in one spot at the dealership that the tires had developed flat spots - a problem that cannot be repaired. The expensive tires had to be replaced.

If you own a vehicle that you don’t drive very often, make a small vertical chalk mark on the sidewall of all the tires where they meet the garage floor. Then, take the car for a spin around the block at least once every three months, making sure that the chalk marks aren’t pointing directly at the floor once you’re back in the garage. After each trip, rub off the old chalk marks and add new marks.

If you need to store a car for a longer period of time, carefully support the vehicle on blocks and remove the tires. Stack them in an upright position, just as they are mounted on your vehicle. Store your tires in an area that’s cool, clean and dark, away from water, oil, grease, high humidity and direct sunlight. For more details on tire storage, click here. If you have questions about tires or need a new set, balancing, an alignment or other automotive services, click here to find the nearest Mountain View Tire location.