Your car’s tires are its only point of contact with the road—keeping them in top condition is key to safety, performance, and even fuel efficiency. Here’s how to maintain your car tires so they last longer and drive better.
1. Check Tire Pressure Monthly
Proper tire pressure ensures optimal contact with the road. Underinflated tires wear out faster on the edges and reduce fuel economy, while overinflated ones wear down the center and can compromise traction. Check your tire pressure when the tires are cold and use the recommended PSI found in your vehicle’s manual or inside the driver’s door.
2. Rotate Tires Regularly
Tires wear differently depending on their position. Rotating them every 5,000 to 8,000 miles (or as recommended by your manufacturer) promotes even wear and extends their lifespan. Common patterns include front-to-back and cross-rotation, especially for front-wheel-drive or rear-wheel-drive vehicles.
3. Maintaining Proper Wheel Alignment
Misalignment can lead to uneven tire wear, reduced handling, and lower fuel efficiency. If your car pulls to one side, or your steering feels off-center, get a professional alignment check. It’s usually good to have it inspected annually or after hitting a major pothole or curb.
4. Balance Your Tires
Unbalanced tires cause vibration, uneven tread wear, and strain on suspension components. Balancing involves adjusting the weight distribution around the tire and wheel assembly, often done during rotation or when installing new tires.
5. Inspect Tread Depth
A minimum tread depth of 2/32″ is legally required in many areas, but performance begins to diminish well before that. Use the “penny test”: insert a penny with Lincoln’s head down—if you can see all of his head, it’s time for new tires. Some tires also have wear bars to indicate low tread.
6. Avoid Overloading Your Vehicle
Exceeding the recommended load limit increases heat buildup and risks tire failure. Always check your vehicle’s load rating and don’t treat your sedan like a pickup.
7. Clean Tires Periodically
Road grime, oil, and brake dust can degrade rubber over time. Use a mild soap and water to keep your tires clean and crack-free.
Taking care of your tires doesn’t require a mechanic’s skills—just a few simple habits can go a long way in keeping your car rolling smoothly and safely. Want help setting up a tire maintenance schedule? I can help with that too.
