It’s the dreaded scenario for every driver: A routine drive down the highway on the way to work or a social function and a sudden pop, a loss of pressure, and a sudden jerk to one side, the vehicle suddenly incredibly difficult to control. It’s a blown tire and this situation at high speed can prove extremely dangerous, for you and for other drivers on the road.

The causes can range from hitting a pothole at the wrong angle to lack of maintenance for the only part of the vehicle that should ever meet the road. Alignment and inflation play significant roles in many accidents.

For instance, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration conducted a study that showed that vehicles with tires under-inflated by more than 25% were three times more likely to be involved in a crash than vehicles with the proper inflation according to manufacturer guidelines.

Car maintenance services focus on many of these issues and can look into them at the same time a vehicle owner takes his or her vehicle in for an oil change. Auto repair services can prolong the life of a vehicle and can reduce the possibility of certain types of accidents. Car maintenance services can include:

• Tire rotation and alignment
• Checking of air pressure in tires
• Replacing worn vehicle belts and hoses

Some statistics suggest that consistent adherence to car maintenance can be beneficial financially for the vehicle owner and the economy as a whole. For instance, some insurance providers may take 5% off of a vehicle insurance premium if it is outfitted with four winter tires. And neglecting vehicles costs the economy $2 billion per year.

Here are some basic recommendations:

• When your tires’ treads have worn to 6/32ns of an inch, it’s a safe bet to get new tires via a tire replacement.
• Car breakdowns can be prevented by checking belts and hoses and replacing them if worn.
• Check your tire alignment every 6,000 miles or when you get your oil changed.

An auto mechanic can be helpful with these services or with any larger problem that may develop as a result of lack of maintenance on a vehicle. Car maintenance services can stem many of the problems that occur with tires or other parts that are more prone to wear and tear.