Tire Care Tips

1. Regularly Check Tire Pressure

Importance:

Maintaining the correct tire pressure ensures optimal contact with the road, improves fuel efficiency, and extends tire life.

How to Check:

• Use a reliable tire pressure gauge.
• Check the pressure when the tires are cold (before driving or after the car has been parked for a few hours).
• Compare the readings to the recommended pressure listed in your vehicle’s owner’s manual or on the tire information placard located on the driver’s side door jamb.

Tip:

Check tire pressure at least once a month and before long trips.

2. Rotate Your Tires

Importance:

Rotating your tires helps ensure even wear across all four tires, extending their lifespan and improving performance.

How to Rotate:

• Follow the rotation pattern recommended by your vehicle’s manufacturer.
• If no pattern is specified, a common practice is to move the front tires to the rear and the rear tires to the front, swapping sides.

Tip:

Rotate your tires every 5,000 to 8,000 miles or during every other oil change.

3. Balance Your Tires

Importance:

Balanced tires provide a smoother ride and prevent uneven wear, which can lead to early replacement.

How to Balance:

• Have a professional balance your tires whenever you install new tires or feel vibrations while driving.
• Balancing involves adding small weights to the rim to ensure even weight distribution.

Tip:

Balance your tires at least once a year or whenever you experience vibrations.

4. Check Tire Alignment

Importance:

Proper wheel alignment ensures your vehicle drives straight and handles correctly, preventing uneven tire wear.

How to Check:

• Look for signs of misalignment, such as the vehicle pulling to one side or uneven tire wear.
• Have your alignment checked by a professional if you notice these signs or every 6,000 to 12,000 miles.

Tip:

Get your alignment checked after hitting a significant pothole or curb.

5. Inspect Tread Depth

Importance:

Adequate tread depth is essential for maintaining traction, especially in wet or slippery conditions.

How to Check:

• Use a tread depth gauge or the penny test (insert a penny into the tread with Lincoln’s head facing down; if you can see the top of Lincoln’s head, it’s time to replace the tire).
• Ensure the tread depth is above the legal limit (2/32 of an inch in most regions).

Tip:

Check tread depth every few months and before long trips.

6. Avoid Overloading Your Vehicle

Importance:

Overloading your vehicle puts extra stress on your tires, leading to overheating, increased wear, and potential blowouts.

How to Avoid:

• Know your vehicle’s maximum load capacity (found in the owner’s manual or on the tire information placard).
• Distribute weight evenly and avoid carrying unnecessary heavy items.

Tip:

Regularly clean out your trunk and avoid overloading roof racks.

7. Inspect for Damage

Importance:

Regular inspections can help identify and address minor issues before they become major problems.

How to Inspect:

• Look for cuts, cracks, bulges, punctures, or any foreign objects lodged in the tire.
• Check the sidewalls and tread for any signs of damage.

Tip:

Inspect your tires visually every month and after driving on rough roads.

8. Store Tires Properly

Importance:

Proper storage helps prevent tire degradation when not in use.

How to Store:

• Store tires in a cool, dry, and clean place away from direct sunlight and heat sources.
• Keep them in a vertical position or stacked horizontally, and cover them to protect against dust and moisture.

Tip:

If you store tires for an extended period, consider using tire storage bags.

9. Use Seasonal Tires

Importance:

Using the right tires for the season ensures optimal performance and safety.

How to Use:

• Install winter tires in cold, snowy conditions for better traction and handling.
• Switch to summer or all-season tires during warmer months.

Tip:

Change your tires based on the weather patterns in your region, usually around late fall and early spring.

10. Know When to Replace Your Tires

Importance:

Replacing worn or damaged tires is crucial for maintaining safety and performance.

How to Know:

• Replace tires when tread depth is below 2/32 of an inch.
• Look for other signs of wear, such as cracks, bulges, or persistent air loss.

Tip:

Replace tires every six years, regardless of appearance, as rubber degrades over time.

By following these tire care tips, you can enhance your vehicle’s performance, ensure a safer driving experience, and extend the life of your tires. Regular maintenance and inspections are key to keeping your tires in optimal condition.