As you travel down the road at 50, 60 or 70 miles per hour, there's only one thing that comes in contact with the pavement. Your tires. Unfortunately, many people try to ignore these important pieces of rubber and only think about replacing them when a state inspection mandates it. For optimal safety and performance, make sure your tires are safe whether you're headed across town or across the country.

1. Do you know how old your tires are? Even if they have decent tread, most vehicle manufacturers recommend replacing them after six years.

2. Place a penny with Lincoln's head upside down in the tread of your tire. Try several spots on each tire. If the top of his head is covered on every spot you test, then you've got some tread wear left in your tire. If you can see Abe's head, it's time to shop for new tires.

3. Some newer tires have tread wear indicator bars on them that gradually begin to appear as the tread wears down. They are flat rubber bars that run perpendicular to the tread. Even if you pass the penny test, if you have wear bars showing, it's time to get your tires evaluated.

4. Check out the sidewalls for cracks or grooves. Weakness in this area can cause a leak or a blowout, so inspect these areas carefully.

5. If you live in or visit the South where the UV rays are strong, your tires will not last as long. The strong sunlight breaks down the tires faster.

6. If you feel a new vibration while driving, it could be a bulge in a tire. Pay attention to how your vehicle feels so when something's off, you recognize it.

Tires are a maintenance expense that come with owning a car, and unfortunately they can be quite expensive. Luckily, shops and tire companies have ongoing specials because your tires may be the most integral part of your vehicle for keeping you safe. Whether you're traveling on dry, wet or snowy roads, you want to make sure they are providing the traction you need.

Protect your vehicle. Call Pan American Insurance at (915) 562-0009 for more information on El Paso auto insurance.