Vehicle safety is one aspect of owning a car that cannot be ignored. There's a lot of work that goes into this, and scheduling tune ups and taking care of repairs are just two of the many tasks that need to be accomplished. 

Know the dangers
According to the Rubber Manufacturers Association, about 12 percent of the cars headed out on the roads this fall have bald tires. That creates a safety risk for drivers and passengers, which isn't something anybody likes to do. 

"Bald tires are dangerous," said Dan Zielinski, RMA senior vice president, public affairs. "A tire is considered bald when tread depth reaches 2/32nds inch. Bald tires have longer stopping distances and do not grip the road properly, particularly in wet weather conditions. Fortunately, there's a simple method to determine whether tire tread depth is safe: all you need is a penny." 

Monitor your tires
You can get a jump start on tire maintenance simply by observing your wheels. As the RMA suggested, the penny test should be done regularly. All you need for this is one of the copper coins. Place it in the groove of the tire upside down, with the head facing you. If some of the tread blocks the former president's head, you're safe for now, but if his entire head is visible, it's time for new tires. 

Additionally, make sure you take periodic readings of your tire pressure. Under- or overinflated wheels negatively impact fuel efficiency and driving performance. Because this can be easily avoided with a little effort and maintenance, there's no excuse to put yourself or your wallet at risk. Don't forget to check the spare tire while you're at it. 

Get your car checked
Paying attention to how your tires are performing is important, but it's only going to take you so far. When you notice baldness or other issues, reach out to NJ State Auto Auction's Total Car Care Center for help. The professionals at this garage cater to the public and are capable of addressing any problems you may have. Having new tires put on is just the first step, as you may also need to have wheels aligned or the tires rotated, but the experts at NJ Auto have got you covered.