The Importance of Tire Care & Keeping Yours in Good Condition
When people think about car maintenance, they often focus on things like oil changes, brake pads, or engine problems.
However, tire care is often forgotten, even though they are one of the most important parts of your vehicle when it comes to safety and performance.
Tires are the only part of your vehicle that touches the road, and they help with traction, absorb shocks, and keep your car stable.
Keeping your tires in good shape, properly inflated, and well-maintained is important for both the safety and longevity of your car.
In this article, we will look at how to take care of your tires.
Rick August, PhD
Working as as Expert Witness, Dr. August provides testimony in crash analysis, traffic safety, road user behavior, and driver education. His expertise is in commercial vehicles (trucks & buses), duty of care, and air brakes.
This includes:
- Inspecting tires regularly (once a month)
- Choosing the right tires
- Keeping tires properly inflated
- Rotating tires on every two oil changes (6,000 miles or 10,000 km)
- Getting your vehicle aligned (20,000 miles or 30,000 km)
- Knowing the age of your tires (replacement is recommended after 8 years)
- Picking tires that work well for different vehicles and climates
Tire Inspections: The First Step to Safety
The first thing you need to do to take care of your tires is to inspect them regularly – at least once a month.
This means looking for any visible signs of damage.
Tires can get punctured, cracked, split, or develop bulges as they age.
Over time, tires naturally wear down because of the weather and constant use.
When inspecting your tires, look for:
Tread Wear
- The tread (the rubber part that touches the road) is very important for grip, especially in wet or slippery conditions.
- Most tires have wear bars that show when the tread has worn down too much.
- If the tread is too thin, you risk losing control of your car, especially in bad weather.
Uneven Wear
- If your tires wear unevenly, it could be a sign of problems like poor alignment, suspension issues, or incorrect tire pressure.
- Uneven wear can cause your tires to wear out sooner, and it can affect how your car drives.
Cracks and Bulges
- Check the sides of your tires for any cracks or bulges.
- This damage can mean that the tire is weak and could burst at any time, which is dangerous.
Make sure to inspect your tires at least once a month to catch any problems that might see your broken down on the side of the road.
Buying the Right Tires: The Foundation of Safety
Choosing the right tires for your car is an important decision.
Not all tires are the same, and cheaper, lower-quality tires may seem like a good deal at first, but they could cause problems in the long run, such as poor performance, more wear, or safety risks.
When choosing tires, keep these factors in mind:
Performance Needs
- Different tires are made for different driving conditions.
- For example, sports car tires are designed for better speed and handling, while touring tires are built for long-distance comfort.
Brand Reputation
- Tires from well-known brands are usually safer and more reliable.
- These brands often use advanced technology to make their tires last longer and perform better.
Vehicle Compatibility
- Not all tires fit all vehicles.
- For example, if you drive a truck and often tow a trailer, you will need different tires than someone driving a small Sport Utility Vehicle.
- Always make sure the tires you buy are the right size and type for your vehicle.
By buying good-quality tires, you’ll make your car safer and get longer life out of your tires.
Winter tires do NOT cost more. You will drive the same mileage as you would on two sets of tires.
Maintaining Proper Air Pressure: Safety and Efficiency
One of the most important things you can do is to ensure your tires are properly inflated.
Tires that are under-inflated (too little air pressure) can cause poor gas mileage, less grip, and more wear.
Over-inflated tires (too much air pressure) can make your car harder to control and can damage the tires.
Proper tire pressure helps the tire make the best contact with the road, improving traction, fuel efficiency, and overall performance.
You should check your tire pressure at least once a month or before going on long trips.
The recommended tire pressure is usually listed in your car’s manual or on a sticker inside the driver’s door frame.
Note: the pressure listed on the tire sidewall is not the correct pressure for your car—it’s the maximum pressure the tire can handle.
Check tire pressure when the tires are cold (before you drive).
Newer cars usually have a tire pressure monitoring system that will alert you if a tire is low.
If there is a warning, fill the tire with air as soon as possible.
If the warning persists, get the sensors checked by an automotive technician.
Rotating Tires: Even Wear for Longer Life
Tire rotation means switching the tires around on your car to make sure they wear evenly.
Tires wear differently depending on where they are on the car (front or back, left or right) and things like how the car is driven.
By rotating your tires regularly, you can help them last longer and improve how your car performs.
It’s recommended to rotate your tires every 6,000 to 8,000 miles (10,000km).
Many tire shops will rotate your tires for free when you buy new ones at that location.
Regular rotations help:
- Prevent early tire replacements
- Keep your car’s suspension and drive train working well
- Often meet the requirements for tire warranties
Getting Your Vehicle Aligned: Keeping Things Straight for Great Tire Care
Wheel alignment makes sure that your car’s wheels are pointing in the right direction – in a manner of speaking.
If your wheels aren’t aligned, your car might pull to one side, and your tires will wear unevenly.
If your tires wear unevenly, and if so, you may have to replace the tires earlier than expected.
Misalignment can also make your car less fuel-efficient.
You should get your car’s alignment checked regularly, especially if you notice your car pulling to one side or if you hit a curb or massive pothole.
Most car manufacturers recommend getting your alignment checked every year.
How to Read Tire Age: Know When to Replace
Tires don’t last forever.
Even if your tires look fine, they can become unsafe after a certain amount of time.
Tires have a date code on the sidewall, which tells you when they were made.
The code looks like four digits: the first two numbers show the week, and the last two show the year.
For example, “2519” means the tire was made in the 25th week of 2019.
Tires older than 6 to 8 years, even if the tread looks good, should be replaced.
Over time, the rubber breaks down, and this can make the tire unsafe.
See this video to choose the right tires for your vehicle.
Choosing the Right Tires for Your Climate
The weather where you live affects the type of tires you need for your vehicle.
Different tires are made for different climates, and using the right tire will improve safety and performance.
Winter Tires
These tires are designed for snow, ice, and freezing temperatures.
- They’re made from special rubber that stays flexible in cold weather, giving you better traction on slippery roads.
- Winter tires can be more expensive, but they provide more safety in bad weather.
All-Season Tires
If you live in a place with mild weather, all-season tires might be enough.
- They’re designed to handle rain and light snow, but they don’t perform as well in harsh winter conditions.
Off-Road Tires
If you live in a rural area or love outdoor adventures, off-road tires are made for rough conditions like dirt, mud, and rocks.
- They’re built for durability and superior traction in tough environments.
Conclusion
Taking care of your tires is an important part of keeping your car safe and running smoothly.
Regular inspections, maintaining proper tire pressure, rotating tires, and aligning your car can all help your tires last longer and perform better.
Buying the right tires and replacing them when needed will ensure that your vehicle is safe and efficient on the road.
Most important, good tires just make your vehicle fun to drive!
Prioritizing tire maintenance is a smart choice that increases the safety of yourself and your loved ones.