Your car's tires are easy to overlook, but they're a crucial part for getting you where you need to go. Don't wait to take care of your tires until it's too late; the last thing you want is to end up with a flat tire in the middle of nowhere. Here are four tips that can help you keep your tires in great shape:

1. Check your tires regularly.

Check your tires for damage at least once a week. Make sure nothing has punctured your tire, especially if you drive through areas with a lot of broken glass or construction. A nail can go undetected in your tire, slowly letting air escape, and you may not realize it until you wake up with a flat tire one day. If you discover a damaged tire, you'll want to visit a tire shop and get a replacement right away. Driving on a flawed tire can be dangerous. 

2. Keep your tires inflated.

When you're doing your weekly inspection of your tires, you can also check your air pressure. You can purchase tire air pressure gauges that are small enough to store in your glove compartment. According to Angie's List, most tires should be inflated to 32-35 PSI, but you should check with your owner's manual to learn the recommended air pressure for your car's tires. If your tires are running low on air, you can inflate them for free using the self-service air at any gas station. Driving on low air pressure can waste fuel and damage your tires, so make sure to keep your tires full at all times.

3. Rotate your tires on schedule.

Having your tires rotated may be the single most effective thing you can do to make your tires last longer. When your tires are rotated, a professional takes all four tires off and moves them to different locations on your car. This helps them all wear more evenly, saving you from having to replace them sooner. You should have your tires rotated every 8,000 miles or every 6 months, depending on which comes first. Many tire shops also provide tire rotation services, so be sure to ask.

4. Know when to replace your tires.

Finally, you should know when it's time to replace your tires. As your tires get older, their treads can wear out, which means they'll get less traction on the road. This can be especially dangerous in rainy or icy conditions. If your tire tread is worn below 2/32", you should visit your local tire shop for a replacement set of tires.