If you're like a majority of U.S. motorists, you've experienced very challenging road conditions lately. A study from TRIP, a national transportation research group, shows that 33 percent of major U.S. roads are in poor condition. Driving on these roads costs motorists an average of $377 in extra vehicle repairs.

Knowing this, you want to make sure your vehicle's tires are in optimum condition to handle the roads. The experts at Family Ford of Texas are here to help.

When your vehicle's tires are properly inflated, it can help you improve your fuel economy by 2 percent^*. Proper inflation also optimizes your vehicles performance and handling, which will help you feel safer behind the wheel

A major cause of tire damage is improper inflation. Over time, your tires lose pressure which can cause irregular tread wear and poor gas mileage. On average, tires lose air at the rate of one pound per month. In colder temperatures, a tire will lose one pound of pressure for every 10-degree drop. A simple solution: check your tire pressure at least once a month for longer performance. Your vehicle may also be equipped with a tire pressure monitoring system. Displayed on your dashboard, it alerts you to sudden changes in tire pressure or low pressure in one or more of your tires.^**