Maintaining your tires is easier than you think

Tire maintenance is pretty simple. You don’t need anything crazy or difficult to keep them in good shape. Doing a few little things once a month is all it takes to help your tires live long and fulfilling lives. Here are a few dos and don’ts to help maintain optimal tire performance.

Tire Pressure

Don’t drive on under or overinflated tires. Improper tire inflation is the most common cause of tire damage.

Do check the inflation at least once a month and before long trips. You can use an accurate tire pressure gauge to make sure your tires have correct pressure. Check your vehicle's owner’s manual, your vehicle’s door jamb or the inside of your glove box door to find the manufacturer's recommended tire inflation pressure.

Tire Balancing

Don’t forget to balance your tires. Improperly balanced tires wear out quicker and cause the vehicle to vibrate, leading to possible driver fatigue. Plus, it can put undue stress on your vehicle’s frame, also not good.

Do make sure you balance your tires when they are first mounted on wheels, when remounted, and at the first sign of vehicle vibration.

Wheel Alignment

Don’t forget to check your wheel alignment. If your vehicle’s suspension isn’t aligned correctly, your tires will wear unevenly.

Do check your wheel alignment regularly. If you notice uneven front or rear tire wear or changes to your vehicle's handling (e.g., pulling to one side of the road), have your wheel alignment checked.

Tire Rotation

Don’t forget to rotate your tires every 6,000 to 8,000 miles.

Do rotate your tires regularly to ensure even tread wear. Even tread wear will prolong your tire's life.

Tire Repair

Don’t drive on damaged tires. Most punctures, nail holes or cuts up to a quarter inch in the tread area can be repaired by a trained tire service professional. Tires with a tread puncture over a quarter inch or any sidewall puncture must be replaced.

Do regularly inspect your tires for damage. You’re looking for any cracks, bulges, punctures or cuts. If you spot something suspicious, take your tire to a trained tire service professional. And make sure you have a properly inflated spare tire handy in case of an emergency. Check out our Find A Retailer page to find a local professional who can properly inspect your tires.