Every journey you take starts and ends with a tire. Tires are the essential link between you and the road and are often overlooked when it comes to maintenance. By following these simple maintenance steps, you aren’t just extending the life of your tires, you’re driving progress and safety for you and everyone sharing the road.
Tire Pressure
Proper inflation is the simplest way to ensure a dependable ride. Check your pressure at least once a month and especially before long trips to keep your journey efficient and your tires ready for the road ahead. Don't forget to check the spare tire too. Bonus benefit: Maintaining proper inflation pressure maximizes fuel economy, too.
- Under inflated tires generate excessive heat build-up and stress, causing irregular wear and internal damage.
- Over inflated tires are more likely to be cut, punctured or damaged when hitting an obstacle, such as a pothole.
Checking Your Pressure
Use a tire gauge to check inflation pressure, measured in PSI (pounds per square inch). You’ll find recommended pressure on a label on the driver’s door or in your vehicle owner's manual.
And don’t forget about your spare.
When to Check
Check your tires at least once a month, and check them when they’re cold—meaning parked for at least three hours. Note that inflation pressure increases (in warm weather) or decreases (in cold weather) one to two pounds for every 10 degrees of temperature change.
Also, check your pressure before you head out on any long trips, carry heavy loads or tow a trailer.
Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems
Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems (TPMS) detect loss of inflation pressure and warn drivers when tires are 25% under inflated. For many vehicles, this warning may be too late to prevent damage. TPMS are not a replacement for monthly tire pressure checks with a gauge.
Tread Depth
Your tread is your tires’ grip on the road, especially important in bad weather. Keeping an eye on it ensures you have the impact and grip you need, whether you’re heading to work or answering the call as a first responder.
Once your tread wears down to 2/32nds of an inch, it’s time to visit your local tire shop. Take a few minutes each month to visually inspect your tires for uneven wear, high and low areas, unusually smooth areas and other signs of damage.
Tires have built-in tread wear indicators, or wear bars. When the tops of these bars are flush with the tire’s tread, the tire needs to be replaced.
Tire Rotation
Rotating your tires regularly helps them wear evenly, extending their useful life. Always rotate your tires based on the recommendations in your vehicle’s owner’s manual to prevent irregular tire wear. If no rotation period is specified, USTMA recommends every 5,000 to 8,000 miles. Once you’re done, make sure the inflation pressure is set to the vehicle manufacturer’s specifications.
Tire Alignment
Striking a pothole or other road hazard could cause alignment issues. Misaligned wheels can lead to uneven, rapid tread wear and should be corrected by a tire dealer. Have your alignment checked at any indication of trouble, such as “pulling,” and periodically, along with your tire balance, as specified by your vehicle’s owner’s manual.
Seasonal Tire Care Tips
As seasons change, so do driving conditions. Prepare for safer travels in all kinds of weather with tire care and driving tips for spring, summer, fall and winter.