Your car’s tires are the only part of the vehicle that makes direct contact with the road, making them one of the mostcritical components for safety and performance. Proper tire maintenance helpsimprove traction, handling, braking, and fuel efficiencywhile reducing the risk of blowouts and uneven wear. Here’s how to keep your tires in top condition foroptimal road safety.
1. Check Tire Pressure Regularly
Proper tire pressure isessential for safe driving. Underinflated tires can causepoor handling, reduced fuel economy, and increased wear, while overinflated tires may result ina rougher ride and a higher risk of blowouts.
- Check tire pressureat least once a monthand before long trips.
- Use atire pressure gaugeto ensure the pressure matches the manufacturer’s recommended PSI (found in your owner’s manual or on the driver’s side door frame).
- Inflate or deflate tires as needed, especially during temperature changes, ascold weather lowers tire pressurewhile hot weather increases it.
2. Rotate Tires for Even Wear
Tires don’t wear evenly—front tires wear out faster than rear onesdue to steering and braking forces. Regular tire rotationsdistribute wear evenly, improving tire lifespan and performance.
- Rotate tiresevery 5,000 to 8,000 milesor at every oil change.
- Follow your vehicle’s recommended tire rotation pattern to ensure even wear.
- If you notice uneven tread wear, have your alignment checked, as misalignment can cause tires to wear out prematurely.
3. Inspect Tire Tread Depth
Tire tread providesgrip and traction, especially in wet or slippery conditions. Worn-out treads increase the risk ofhydroplaning and loss of control.
- Use thepenny test– Insert a penny into the tire tread with Lincoln’s head facing down. If you cansee the top of his head, your tires are too worn and need replacement.
- Look foruneven tread wear, which may indicate alignment or suspension issues.
- If tread depth isbelow 2/32 of an inch, it’s time for new tires.
4. Get a Wheel Alignment and Balance Check
Misaligned wheels can causesteering issues, uneven tread wear, and poor handling. Wheel balancing helps ensure smooth driving by preventing vibrations.
- Schedule awheel alignment once a yearor if you notice the car pulling to one side.
- Have tires balanced when installing new tires or if you feel vibrations at high speeds.
5. Avoid Overloading Your Vehicle
Excess weight putsextra strain on your tires, increasing wear and raising the risk of blowouts.
- Check themaximum weight capacityin your owner’s manual.
- Avoid keepingunnecessary heavy itemsin your trunk.
6. Watch for Tire Damage
Regularly inspect your tires for:
- Cracks or bulges, which can indicate structural weakness.
- Embedded objects, like nails or glass, that could cause leaks.
- Sidewall damage, which can lead to sudden failure.
If you notice any of these issues,have your tires inspected and repaired immediately.
Final Thoughts
Maintaining your tires is essential forsafety, performance, and fuel efficiency. Checking tire pressure, rotating regularly, inspecting tread depth, and ensuring proper alignment canextend the life of your tires and keep you safer on the road. If it’s been a while since your last tire inspection,schedule one today to prevent problems before they happen.