When it comes to road safety, there are few things more important than a good set of tyres. You may think that keeping your engine, your radiator, your transmission, or even your brakes in good condition is more important, but, truth be told, your tyres matter most. Why is that?

Simple: your tyres are the only thing in contact with the road. They are constantly being worn down, so are the part of the car that are most likely to be damaged. A good set of tyres can be the difference between a serious accident and a safe drive home.

Here are some important things to remember:

1. Keep Your Tyres Inflated for Road Safety

You know your tyres need to be filled with the right amount of air pressure, but do you know how much that is? Check your owner’s manual to find the right pressure, and be certain to fill them regularly to ensure they are properly filled. If they’re not filled properly, they can affect your handling of the vehicle and will increase your risk of an accident. (Remember: Tyres should hold their air pressure for up to three months.)

2. Check the Treads

Tyre treads don’t wear out evenly, but will usually only be worn down on one side as you drive. It’s important to rotate your tyres at least once every six months, as that will prevent uneven wear from causing tyre damage. (Check the tyre tread indicator to see how good the tyres are. If you can’t find it, ask your dealer for help.)

3. Replace Old Tyres

If you notice that your tyres are looking old and worn, it’s time to replace them. There are a few signs that you need new tyres: shallow tyre treads, tread wear indicator bars, cracks in the sidewall of your tyres, blisters or bulges, and excessive vibration as you drive. Do a visual inspection of your tyres on a regular basis, and keep an eye out for these warning signs.

4. Use the Right Tyres for the Season

Australia isn’t known for its heavy snowfall, but those living in places with heavy snowfall should have snow tyres for the winter months. During the hot summer, you’ll need a set of tyres that can handle the heat which makes the air in the tyres expand.

5. Look for Nails

It may sound silly, but it’s actually a very important thing to do in order to keep your tyres in good shape. If you drive over a nail, it may stab into the tyre, but won’t cause it to pop. Instead, the nail may remain embedded in the rubber, causing a slow leak and possibly more tyre damage. You could end up in a serious accident if the nail causes the tyre to pop, or at the very least your tyres will drain of air. Every time you walk out to your car, do a visual check to see if you can spot any nail heads in your tyres. If so, go to your dealer and have them fix the tyre for you.

Your tyres receive the most wear and tear, so they’re the part of your car that is most likely to cause an accident. Having a flat tyre on the side of the road may not seem bad, but what happens when your tyre blows on the highway going at 60 KPH? For your safety’s sake, keep your tyres in good condition!