Tire Maintenance: Maximize Safety and Tire Lifespan

Taking care of your Tires is crucial for vehicle safety, fuel efficiency, and extending the life of your tires. Are your tires properly inflated? Do you regularly check for wear and tear? Understanding basic tire maintenance is essential for every driver who values safety and saving money. Tires significantly impact your vehicle’s performance, and neglecting them can lead to serious consequences.

The Importance of Tire Maintenance

Neglecting tire maintenance can have serious repercussions, impacting both your safety and your wallet.

Safety First: Tire Maintenance and Road Safety

Poorly maintained tires are a significant safety hazard. Underinflation, lack of tire rotation, and other maintenance oversights increase the risk of:

Flat Tires: Underinflated or worn tires are more susceptible to punctures and flats.
Blowouts: Extreme underinflation or damage can cause sudden tire failure, leading to a dangerous loss of vehicle control.
Tread Separation: Worn or degraded tires can experience tread separation, where the outer layer of the tire detaches, causing loss of control and potential accidents.

In 2022 alone, tire-related crashes resulted in 562 fatalities on US roads. Proper tire care is a vital step in preventing accidents and ensuring road safety.

Save Money: Tire Maintenance and Fuel Efficiency

Beyond safety, tire maintenance directly affects your fuel consumption and tire lifespan.

Fuel Efficiency: Properly inflated tires reduce rolling resistance, meaning your engine doesn’t have to work as hard to move the vehicle. This can save you up to 11 cents per gallon of fuel. Shockingly, only 19% of drivers maintain proper tire inflation, meaning a vast majority are wasting money at the pump.
Tire Longevity: Regular tire rotation, balancing, and alignment contribute to even wear and tear, significantly extending the life of your tires. Proper inflation alone can increase tire lifespan by an average of 4,700 miles. Investing a little time in tire maintenance translates to substantial savings over time by reducing fuel costs and delaying tire replacement.

Key Tire Maintenance Tips for Safety and Savings

Here are five essential tire maintenance tips to keep you safe and save you money:

Tire Pressure: The Cornerstone of Tire Care

Maintaining correct tire pressure is the most critical aspect of tire maintenance. It directly influences safety, tire durability, and fuel economy.

Monthly Checks: Inspect tire pressure at least once a month, including your spare tire. Always check when tires are “cold,” meaning the vehicle hasn’t been driven for three hours or more.
Locate Recommended Pressure: The correct tire pressure, measured in pounds per square inch (PSI), is not found on the tire sidewall itself. Instead, look for the Tire and Loading Information Label. This label is typically located on the driver’s side door edge, doorjamb (B-pillar), or the rear edge of the driver’s door. You can also find this information in your vehicle owner’s manual.
Keep a Tire Pressure Gauge Handy: Sudden pressure loss can occur from road hazards like potholes or curbs. Keeping a tire pressure gauge in your vehicle allows for quick checks anytime, anywhere.
Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems (TPMS): Modern vehicles are equipped with TPMS, which alerts you to significant underinflation. However, TPMS is not a substitute for manual monthly checks as it only triggers at critically low pressure levels. Regular checks ensure optimal pressure at all times.

Tire Tread: Ensuring Grip and Traction

Tire tread is vital for providing grip and traction, preventing skidding and sliding, especially on wet or icy roads. Worn tires with insufficient tread are unsafe and should be replaced. The legal limit for tire tread depth is 2/32 of an inch.

Monthly Tread Checks: Check your tire tread depth at least monthly, ideally when checking tire pressure.
Tread Wear Indicators: Tires have built-in tread wear indicators – raised bars within the tire grooves. When the tread wears down to be level with these indicators, it’s time for new tires.
The Penny Test: A simple way to check tread depth is using a penny. Insert a penny into the tread groove with Lincoln’s head upside down. If you can see the top of Lincoln’s head, your tires are worn and need replacing.

Tire Balance and Wheel Alignment: For Smooth Rides and Tire Longevity

Tire balancing and wheel alignment, performed by a qualified technician, are crucial for vehicle safety and maximizing tire life.

Tire Balancing: Ensures even wheel rotation, preventing vibrations and vehicle shaking, especially at higher speeds. New tires should always be balanced upon installation.
Wheel Alignment: Corrects wheel angles to manufacturer specifications. Proper alignment prevents uneven tire wear, improves handling, and prevents your car from pulling to one side. Regular alignment checks maximize tire lifespan and ensure optimal driving performance.

Tire Rotation: Promoting Even Wear

Tire rotation involves periodically changing the position of your tires on your vehicle. This practice helps to:

Reduce Irregular Wear: Front and rear tires wear differently due to factors like steering, braking, and weight distribution. Rotation evens out wear patterns.
Extend Tire Life: By promoting even wear, rotation maximizes the lifespan of your tires.
Maintain Fuel Efficiency: Evenly worn tires maintain optimal rolling resistance and fuel economy.
Rotation Frequency: Consult your owner’s manual for recommended rotation intervals, typically every 5,000 to 8,000 miles. Rotate sooner if you notice uneven wear.
Rotation Patterns: Different vehicles may require specific rotation patterns (e.g., front-to-rear, X-pattern). Your owner’s manual will provide the correct pattern for your vehicle.
When Rotation Isn’t Recommended: Some vehicles, particularly those with different sized front and rear tires, may not allow tire rotation. Always refer to your owner’s manual for specific guidance.

Tire Size: Matching Specifications for Safety

Using the correct tire size is paramount for safety and vehicle performance.

Original or Recommended Size: When replacing tires, always choose the same size as your vehicle’s original tires or a size recommended by the manufacturer.
Locating Tire Size Information: Find the correct tire size on the Tire and Loading Information Label or in your owner’s manual.
Consult a Tire Dealer: If you are unsure about the correct tire size, consult a reputable tire dealer. They can help you identify the appropriate tires for your vehicle, ensuring safety and optimal performance.

Maintaining Proper Tire Pressure: Step-by-Step Guide

Follow these steps to ensure your tires are properly inflated:

Locate Recommended Pressure: Find the recommended tire pressure on the Tire and Loading Information Label (door edge/jamb) or your owner’s manual. Remember, use the vehicle manufacturer’s recommended pressure, not the pressure listed on the tire sidewall.
Check Tire Pressure (Cold): Use a tire pressure gauge to check the pressure of all tires, including the spare, when they are cold.
Release Air (If Overinflated): If a tire is overinflated, gently press the tire valve stem with the edge of your gauge to release air until you reach the correct pressure.
Add Air (If Underinflated): If a tire is underinflated, use an air pump at a service station to add air. Add the amount of pressure needed to reach the recommended level.
Verify Pressure: Double-check all tires to ensure they are inflated to the correct and consistent pressure (unless front and rear tire pressures are specified differently).

Important Note: Recommended tire pressure is always for cold tires. If you must check pressure when tires are warm (after driving), inflate to the recommended cold pressure. While the reading may be slightly higher due to heat, it’s safer than driving on significantly underinflated tires. Re-check and adjust to the correct cold pressure when possible.

Handling Tire Blowouts: Stay Safe Under Pressure

A tire blowout is a sudden loss of air pressure, which can cause loss of vehicle control. While proper maintenance minimizes blowout risk, they can still occur. Here’s how to react safely:

If a Blowout Occurs While Driving:

Stay Calm and Hold the Steering Wheel Firmly: Do not panic. Grip the steering wheel with both hands to maintain control.
Maintain Speed (If Safe): Avoid sudden braking or lifting your foot abruptly from the accelerator. Maintain speed if possible and safe to do so initially.
Gradually Release Accelerator: Slowly ease off the gas pedal.
Steer to Stabilize: Correct steering as needed to keep the vehicle straight and regain control. Focus on where you want the vehicle to go and steer in that direction.
Slow Down and Pull Over Safely: Once you have regained control, gradually slow down and pull off the road to a safe location when it’s safe to do so.

Front vs. Rear Tire Blowouts:

The procedure for handling a blowout is the same regardless of whether it’s a front or rear tire. The main difference is how you’ll feel it:

Front Tire Blowout: You’ll feel the force primarily in the steering wheel.
Rear Tire Blowout: You’ll feel the force more in the vehicle’s seat or body.

Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS): An Added Safety Layer

TPMS is a valuable safety feature that monitors tire pressure and alerts you to underinflation.

Direct and Indirect Systems: TPMS uses sensors in the tires (direct) or wheel speed sensors (indirect) to monitor pressure.
Dashboard Warning: When tire pressure drops significantly below the recommended level, the TPMS illuminates a warning symbol on your dashboard.

TPMS FAQs

Does My Vehicle Have TPMS?

TPMS is mandatory on all passenger cars, light trucks, and vans of model year 2008 and newer. Some 2006 and 2007 models may also have TPMS. Check your owner’s manual or dealer to confirm.

What Does the TPMS Symbol Look Like?

Two standard TPMS symbols are used:

A cross-section of a tire with an exclamation mark inside.
A top view of a car with all four tires visible.

Both symbols indicate low tire pressure when illuminated.

What Does it Mean When the TPMS Symbol Illuminates?

A lit TPMS symbol indicates that at least one tire is significantly underinflated. Inspect your tires and check pressure immediately. The symbol should turn off once tires are properly inflated.

What Does it Mean if the TPMS Symbol Goes On and Off?

Intermittent illumination, especially in cold weather, can occur due to marginal pressure drops overnight. As tires warm up, pressure may rise enough to turn off the warning. If this happens, check your tire pressure to ensure it is correct.

What Does a Flashing TPMS Symbol Mean?

A flashing TPMS symbol, followed by continuous illumination, indicates a system malfunction. This requires professional inspection and repair. Contact your vehicle dealer for service.

If TPMS is On, Wouldn’t I Notice Underinflated Tires Visually?

Visually detecting underinflation is often difficult. TPMS is a valuable safety net, but it’s not a substitute for regular manual tire checks. Monthly inspections with a tire pressure gauge remain essential for proactive tire maintenance.

By understanding and practicing these tire maintenance tips, you can ensure safer driving, save money on fuel and tire replacements, and maximize the lifespan of your tires. Regular tire care is a small investment that yields significant returns in safety and peace of mind.