It's very important to make sure your tires are properly inflated as under or over-inflated tires can directly affect auto safety and gas mileage.

Experts say when tires are under-inflated, cars use more gas and steering can be more difficult.

If tires are over-inflated they wear out more quickly, which is expensive and a potential safety issue.

Liz Crenshaw conducted an experiment that shows not enough drivers actually pay attention to tires.

Of the 20 vehicles tested, almost half (9) had tire pressures either too high or too low. So here's what you need to know to keep your tires running safely.

Keep an accurate tire pressure gauge in your glove compartment. Don't trust outdoor gas station air meters, which are often inaccurate because of exposure to the elements.

Check your tire pressure often, at least once a month. And don't forget to check your spare.

Rotate tires every 15,000 miles.

Inspect your tire treads for uneven wear.

Know where to look to find the correct tire pressure information for your car. It may be on your door, in your trunk, in your glove box or in your owner's manual. But it's never the number on the sidewall of the tire, which is the bursting tire pressure.

Do all of that, and your tires will be ready for the road!

To watch the video, please click the play icon in the video box to the right.