Automobile accidents are the #1 killer of teens in the United States. I don’t mean to frighten you, but it’s best to be aware. In celebration of Teen Driving Safety Week, here are four important tire safety tips to share with any teen drivers in your family.

The other day, I was scrolling through my Twitter feed. A tweet from Michelin caught my eye.

I clicked the tweet for more info and was directed to this insightful video, where Katie Couric shares the best auto safety advice she has ever received.

Katie’s message moved me. Click the link above to open the video in a new tab. Now I would like to share four of my best auto safety tips about tires. After you’re done reading, tell us your best auto safety tip at #SharingSafety.

1. Check tire pressure every month.

Teens aren’t the only people in need of this tip. Most drivers never check their tire pressure, which is super risky. Why? Under-inflated tires could triple your risk of a traffic accident, according to a survey by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. This is especially problematic during cold weather. Winter is coming. Act now.

2. Check tread depth before any long trips.

Did you know tires have muscles like you? It’s true. As you grow old, muscles gradually waste away.

This process is called atrophy. You can’t prevent this issue completely. It’s an unavoidable part of the aging process. But you can delay the inevitable by exercising and eating foods that contain protein (the building block of muscle).

Tires are similar. They are surrounded by a protective shell called tread depth. A strong tread depth helps your tires grip the road during rain and snow. As tires grow old, their tread wears down. This process can be fast or slow depending on your circumstances.

If you live in an incredibly hot or cold climate, your tread will wear down faster. Tires don’t respond well to extreme temperatures. Road conditions are another factor. If you run into a pot-hole every week, expect your tires to wear down sooner than later. Those bumps might not seem bad at the moment, but they can do a number on your tires when repeated over time. Drive on smooth sections of the road whenever possible.

3. Replace tires at the same time.

Would you go to work or school wearing a sneaker on one foot and a high heel on the other? Of course not.

That sounds ridiculous, but many drivers don’t treat their tires with the same consideration. Walking around in mismatched shoes would feel weird. You might even lose your balance and fall down.

Tires are no different. They need matching tires to perform at their maximum capacity. This is why most auto experts recommend replacing two tires at a time. If you have a 4-wheel drive, replace them all in one shot.

It’s worth noting this isn’t always possible. You might buy a brand new set of tires and drive over a nail or piece of glass on the way home. Whoops. In that case, it’s okay to replace one tire, but make sure it matches the others.

4. Find a trusted mechanic to handle your auto needs.

It’s empowering to take personal responsibility for your vehicle’s condition, but please understand you’re not alone.

There are tons of mechanics who would be happy to help you. You might be able to find one in my trusted auto shop directory. Click here to find out what’s available in your neck of the woods.

If you can’t find a local shop there, simply perform an Internet search for: “Your city, state, auto shops.” Read online reviews to make sure other drivers had a positive experience. If you’re a teen, I recommend going with your mom and dad. I know parents can be annoying sometimes, but they have your best interest at heart. Let them help you.

Your tires can’t take care of themselves. Only you can do that.

Follow these tire safety tips to prevent traffic accidents. Please share this blog with your Facebook friends so they can be car smart like you.

If you’re a teen driver (or a parent who is raising a new driver), check out the blogs below for more auto safety tips you definitely need to know:

P.S. Don’t forget to share your best auto safety tip with @MichelinUSA and @WomenAutoKnow. Use the hashtag #SharingSafety so we can retweet your answer to our followers. Thanks! 🙂