Tires might be the last thing you think about when you pull your car into the drive at the end of the day, but they are well worth the consideration. When you’re not riding on a good set, you can face all kinds of trouble down the road.

Tires serve four primary functions. When they are not operating properly, a number of critical systems can suffer. Ultimately, improperly cared for tires can make a vehicle unsafe to operate and they can also give rise to costly repairs.

The main reasons tires are important do go well beyond gas mileage and include these functions:

• Supporting the weight of a vehicle – Tires are designed to bear the brunt of the weight of a vehicle and the weight inside it. Worn tires will not do this effectively.

• Absorb shocks – While a car’s suspension also comes into play here, tires are a part of this system. When they are worn down and do not function correctly, bumps will become much more noticeable.

• Traction and braking – Tires keep your car on the road at high speeds and assist in the braking process. Having a good set of well-maintained tires is essential for safety in any kind of weather.

• Navigation – Tires are also important for directing a vehicle through turns. When tires are worn, a vehicle can fail to handle properly. This, in turn, can lead to dangerous situations on the road.

Keeping up with tire pressure and replacement is vital for keeping a vehicle running right.