Guide for Maintaining Good Tires: Rotations , Air, Alignment, and More

Getting an unexpected flat or blown tire is not only a reliable way to ruin your day, but also a way to cause more unexpected damage to your vehicle, the cars around you, and even to you and your passengers. And while you can’t avoid all road hazards, there are steps you can take to maintain your tires to minimize your risk.

 Tire Rotations and Tread Depth

As you drive, the rubber on your tires wear down, slowly eroded away by the road. The rougher the road, the quicker the tire tread will wear down. To slow down that wear and tear, your tires should be rotated — removed and then replaced in a different position — on a regular schedule, every 5,000-8,000 miles. This gives your tires a better chance for even wear, rather than one or two tires taking the brunt from your daily drives.

When your tread wears too low, your wheels will not have the grip they need to safely maneuver the road. We recommend checking your tread at least once a month, and doing a visual inspection while you’re at it. Keep an eye out for cracks and bulges in the rubber, as these are signs that you need new tires.

Measure Tire Tread

One way to check your tire tread is to measure the depth. The legal minimum depth is 2/32”. If your treads have reached that measurement, you need to replace your tires immediately. However, almost all manufacturers agree that you should actually replace them at or before a depth of 4/32”, as anything below that is dangerous on wet or snowy roads.

Tread Indicators

Most tires have tread indicators or wear bars built into the tires. These are nodes in the rubber that show the limit of how far the tread can wear down. If your tread is still above the level of the bars — at the lowest point — then you are still good to go.

Penny Test

The penny test is a very easy at-home way to check your tread depth. All you need is a penny. Slot the penny into the tread so the Lincoln side is facing you and Lincoln is upside down. If his entire head is visible, your tread is dangerously shallow, and it’s time for new tires.

Wheel Alignment

Your car tires can be knocked out of alignment by hitting potholes or other road hazards, and means that your wheels are now sitting at odd angles. They can be tilted inwards, outwards, forward, back, or any angle, and can lead to your car pulling to the side, uneven wear on the tires, odd sounds, and vibrations up through the steering wheel. Even if you don’t notice these signs, we recommend having your tires aligned every couple of years, since it corrects your suspension as well.

Tire pressure

Your tire’s air pressure is the force that pushes against the inner walls of the tire, giving them enough solidity to drive you, so it’s important to maintain the proper pressure. A monthly check with a pressure gauge will let you know where you stand. Wait until your car has been parked for at least three hours so they have cooled from driving to get a more accurate reading. Your owner’s manual will let you know the ideal PSI (pounds per square inch) for your tires — the number on the side of the tire is the maximum pressure, not the recommended — so compare that to what your gauge tells you, and fill as needed.

Many new cars come with TPMS (tire pressure monitoring systems) which will alert you if your tires reach 25% under inflation. However, this could be too late in some cases, so it’s best to be proactive and check for yourself. Also note that weather conditions can affect your tire pressure.  Cold temperatures will lower air pressure while warm weather raises it.

Tire Maintenance at First Tire & Automotive

Staying on top of your tires’ maintenance can extend their lives and prevent unexpected blowouts. Even the little things like keeping track of the valve caps can help by keeping moisture out of the tires. But you’re not alone in keeping your wheels in their best condition. First Tire & Automotive has your back, whether that’s in offering wheel alignment services or even helping you find a spare — don’t forget to check that your spare is in good condition too. Swing by one of our five locations to talk tires!