Tire blowouts are a major cause of car accidents every day. It's amazing that something so simple as an underinflated tire could destroy a life. According to the NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration), 660 fatalities and 33,000 injuries occur every year due to low tire pressure related crashes.

• 73% of drivers don't check the spare tire's pressure.
• One in four cars on the road has significantly underinflated tires.
• Every month, 3 in 4 drivers wash their cars, but only 1 in 7 correctly checks their tire pressure.

29% of drivers wrongly believe that the best time to check their tire pressure is after they've been driven and are warmed up. The Rubber Manufacturers Association notes that over 85% of drivers don't check their tire pressure properly.

Are you positive that you know how?

Properly checking tires means checking at least once a month - before tires have been driven even a mile - and inflating them to the vehicle manufacturer's recommended pressure, not the pressure listed on the tire sidewall. You can find the recommended pressure on the tire table, located on the driver's door frame, sill, or edge.

Tire pressure changes an average of 1 PSI (pounds per square inch) for every 10 degree Fahrenheit change in air temperature. This is why it's best to check tires while they're cold (haven't been driven on in at least 3 hours). Additionally, dry and wet handling performance also suffers with underinflated tires, often causing crashes with skidding, loss of control, hydroplaning, and crashes from tire blowouts or flat tires.

Maintaining good air pressure in your times is not only much safer, but saves money by improving your gas mileage and reducing wear and tear on the tires. Check at least once a month and before you go on long trips. If you have questions about your tires or maintenance, check your owner's manual or consult your dealer.