Because NASCAR racing tires don't have treads, it's unsafe to run in the rain. Credit: Autostock

Keep your vehicle's tires in tip-top condition

On a typical race weekend, a Nextel Cup team may use between nine and 14 sets of tires depending upon the length of the race and type of track: short track, speedway, superspeedway or road course.

By comparison, an average set of street tires on a consumer vehicle gets replaced approximately every three years.

It's always a good idea to check your tires before you hit the road for the next NASCAR race...

Here are some simple routine maintenance tips for your tires:

Keep your tires properly inflated. The correct air pressure for your tires is specified by the vehicle manufacturer and can be found on the door edge, door-post, and the glove box door or fuel door. It is also listed in the owner's manual.

Check the tires tread depth. Proper tread depth will help prevent skids and aquaplaning. One simple way to check tire tread depth involves the use of a penny inserted into the grooves of the tread. Insert the penny into the tread groove with Lincoln's face showing, but with his head upside-down. If you are able to see all of Lincoln's head, the tire needs replacement. If you see a wear bar across the width of the tread while facing it, it's time to replace the tire.

Check the tire wear. Look at the tires that have been on the front of the car. Are they wearing evenly across the tread? Is the wear pattern the same on both front tires?

Here are some other signs of trouble: