Your tires are the only point of contact between your vehicle and the road, making them one of the most critical components for safety, performance, and efficiency. Whether you’re commuting, running errands, or heading out on a road trip, properly maintained tires can help prevent accidents, improve fuel economy, and extend your vehicle’s lifespan.
Here’s how to keep your tires in top condition and ensure optimal road safety year-round.
1. Check Tire Pressure Regularly
Tire pressure affects everything from handling to braking distance. Driving with underinflated or overinflated tires can lead to reduced traction, uneven wear, poor fuel economy, and even blowouts.
- Use a tire pressure gauge to check pressure at least once a month and before long trips.
- Always compare your readings to the recommended PSI listed on the sticker inside your driver’s door—not the number on the tire sidewall.
- Don’t forget to check your spare tire as well.
2. Inspect Tread Depth and Wear Patterns
Tire tread is essential for grip, especially in wet conditions. Worn-out or uneven tread can reduce your ability to stop quickly or maintain control on slick or rough roads.
- Use the penny test: insert a penny into the tread with Lincoln’s head down—if you can see the top of his head, it’s time to replace the tire.
- Check for bald spots, cracks, bulges, or visible cords.
- Uneven wear could indicate alignment or suspension issues that need attention.
3. Rotate Your Tires on Schedule
Tires wear differently depending on their position on the vehicle. Regular rotation helps ensure even wear across all four tires, which extends their lifespan and maintains balanced handling.
- Rotate your tires every 5,000 to 7,500 miles or according to your vehicle’s manual.
- Many shops include tire rotation with oil changes—ask your technician to bundle the services.
4. Keep Wheels Aligned and Balanced
Misaligned wheels can cause your car to pull to one side and lead to rapid or uneven tire wear. Likewise, unbalanced tires can create vibration while driving and cause uneven tread wear.
- If your steering feels off or your car shakes at certain speeds, have your alignment and balance checked.
- Getting these adjustments done promptly keeps your ride smooth and protects your tires.
5. Replace Tires When Needed
Even with good maintenance, tires have a lifespan—usually around six years or 50,000 miles, depending on usage and driving conditions.
- Don’t delay replacement if your tires are worn beyond the tread limit or have visible damage.
- Replace all four tires at once, or at least in matching pairs, to ensure even traction and handling.
Final Thoughts
Maintaining your tires is one of the easiest and most effective ways to ensure road safety and vehicle performance. Regular pressure checks, tread inspections, rotations, and alignment services all work together to keep you in control—no matter the road or weather conditions. If it’s been a while since your last tire check, make an appointment with a trusted repair shop and drive with confidence knowing your tires are road-ready.