Most people forget that tyres are that part of the car that actually meets the road. Good tyres give better acceleration, cornering, comfort, fuel efficiency and safety.

Ensure proper tyre pressure atleast every two weeks. Check only when the tyres are cold because the pressure in hot tyres can be 0.3 bar (atmospheres) or 4 psi (pounds) more than cold ones. Higher then recommended pressure will make the ride hard, reduce traction and make it prone to skidding and tyre bursts.

Lesser than recommended pressure will increase fuel consumption by 10 per cent, overheat the tyres and make the cornering sloppy.

When on wet or icy roads under - inflate your tyres to reduce skidding.

Always put your best tyres on the front wheels, which take most of the forces of steering and braking. Moreover, never put different tyres on the same axel.

Do not buy retreaded tyres. The short-term savings are at the cost of suspension damage, comfort and safety.

Radial tyres give much greater comfort, traction and safety. They cost more but give much greater mileage and also have a longer life. Try not to mix radial and standard tyres. If you must, put the radials on the rear wheels.

Change your tyres well in time - 80 per cent of punctures occur during the last 20 per cent of a tyres life.

Do not buy tyre sizes that are not recommended in your cars manual. Wide or fat tyres may make you feel macho but may be quite unsuited to your car or wheel rims. They could increase your fuel consumption, make your ride hard, bouncy or uncomfortable and may even be dangerous.