BAKERSFIELD, Calif. -- As Californians embark on Labor Day weekend road trips, the Department of Resources Recycling and Recovery recommends five easy ways travelers can get the most out of their tires.

Maintaining healthy tires helps drivers stay safe on the road, save on fuel costs, and protect the environment.

AAA Northern California predicts more than 3.5 million people will travel in the state by car this Labor Day weekend. A tire safety study conducted in June by the Rubber Manufacturers Association found 60 percent of California vehicles tested had at least one under-inflated tire, which can affect steering and result in blowouts.

In addition to protecting people on the road, maintaining proper tire pressure also protects the investment drivers make in their tires, which typically cost up to $150 each. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, keeping tires at the correct inflation level not only helps them last longer, but can save $100 to $200 in fuel costs each year. Longer-lasting tires mean fewer tires end up in landfills, and reduced fuel consumption means fewer emissions into the air.

CalRecycle offers these Top 5 Must-Know Tire Tips for Labor Day weekend and throughout the year:

1. Check your tires once a month, when they are cool to the touch, for the right inflation level.
2. Test tire tread monthly. Insert a penny upside down. If you can see the top of President Lincoln’s head, tire tread is too low.
3. Have your tires rotated and balanced every 5,000–8,000 miles.
4. Keep the correct safety equipment, such as an emergency roadside kit and an inflated spare tire, in your car at all times.
5. While checking your tire inflation, also check the tires for nails, bulges, and other irregularities.

Information Provided By CalRecycle of the California Natural Resources Agency.