How to Maintain Your Tire
Good tires improve how your vehicle performs. Tire maintenance can protect your investment by extending the life of your tires. Checking tire pressure, caring about tire tread depth, rotating your tires, aligning your tires, and keeping good driving habits will all contribute to consistent performance.
1.TIRE PRESSURE
Proper tire inflation pressure is crucial for extending tire life and minimizing fuel consumption, benefiting both your wallet and the environment. You can locate the recommended tire pressure in your vehicle owner's manual or on the tire placard found on the driver’s side door jamb. Invest in a reliable tire pressure gauge to check your tires at home at least once a month.
Since September 2007, all vehicles in the U.S. are equipped with a Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) to alert you to low tire pressure. However, it's important to note that TPMS has its limitations, so regular manual inspections are still necessary.
2. TREAD DEPTH
Tread gives your tires traction on the road, especially in bad weather. If you lose too much tread, you could lose control. Visit your local tire shop when your tread wears down to 2/32nds of an inch. Take a few minutes each month to visually inspect your tires for uneven wear, high or low spots, smooth patches, or other signs of damage.
Look for built-in tread wear indicators or wear bars on your tires. Replace your tires when these bars are level with the tread. Here's a simple tread test: Insert a penny upside down into a tread groove. If part of Lincoln's head is covered by the tread, your tires are still good. If you can see all of Lincoln's head, it's time to get new tires.
3. TIRE ROTATION
Rotate your tires according to your vehicle’s owner’s manual to prevent uneven tire wear. If specific intervals aren’t provided, USTMA suggests rotating every 5,000 to 8,000 miles. After rotation, ensure that the tire inflation pressure matches the manufacturer’s specifications.
4. TIRE ALIGNMENT
Hitting a pothole or encountering other road hazards can potentially cause alignment problems. Misaligned wheels may result in uneven and accelerated tread wear, which should be addressed by a professional tire dealer. It's advisable to have your alignment checked promptly if you notice any signs of trouble, such as pulling to one side.
Additionally, follow the tire maintenance schedule outlined in your vehicle’s owner’s manual to ensure regular checks of both alignment and tire balance.
5. DRIVING HABITS
Practice good driving habits, which will help maintain the health and longevity of your tires:
- Follow speed limits posted on road signs.
- Avoid sudden acceleration, braking, and sharp turns.
- Watch out for potholes and road hazards.
- Be careful not to drive over curbs or scrape your tires against them when parking.
- Do not exceed the recommended maximum load for your vehicle.
