Tire Maintenance
Most tire problems are preventable with basic maintenance routines. Learn the most important practices that maximize safety and longevity, from maintaining correct pressure and monitoring tread depth to understanding when rotation is necessary and how proper seasonal storage protects your investment.
Tire Pressure / Inflation
Check every 30 days and before long trips
Proper tire inflation is the most important thing for your tires. Under-inflated tires wear out faster, reduce fuel economy, and overheat the tire at highway speed.
Find the recommended tire pressure. Most cars require 30-35 PSI. This information can be found on the driver’s door jamb placard or in the owner’s manual.
Check tire pressure when the tires are cold. Tires should be checked before driving or after sitting for at least three hours, as heat increases the PSI.
Risk of underinflation by just 5 PSI can increase the treadwear on the outer edges by up to 25% and reduce fuel economy by 1%
Risk of overinflation can cause the center of the tread to wear faster, reduce the constant patch, and reduce the overall grip.
Don’t rely just on TPMS, since it warns when pressure drops 25% below the recommended level, which is already dangerously low.
Tire pressure drops about 1 PSI for every 10°F drop in temperature. Re-check when the seasonal change occurs.
On the tire's sidewall, you can see the Max PSI. Never inflate your tires to the MAX PSI, as it can cause damage from potholes or debris.
If the TPMS lights are on, check all four tires plus the spare tire immediately.
Tire Rotation
Every 5,000-7,000 miles for regular tire maintenance.
Rotating tires moves them to different positions on the vehicle to ensure even wear. Front tires wear faster on Front Wheel Drive vehicles, while rear tires wear faster on Rear Wheel Drive vehicles.
FWD (Front Wheel Drive) vehicles rotate by moving front tires to the rear on the same size, or moving rear tires to the front, crossing them to opposite sides (left rear goes to right front).
RWD (Rear Wheel Drive) vehicles rotate by moving rear tires to the front (on the same size), or moving front tires to the rear, crossing them to opposite sides (left front goes to right rear).
AWD (All Wheel Drive) vehicles utilize ‘’X’’ pattern, where all four tires are switched sides and axles (front right to rear left, front left to rear right).
Directional tires must be rotated front to back on the same size only to maintain the direction of rotation.
Staggered setups (different front and rear sizes) cannot be rotated front to back; these tires can be rotated side to side if the tires are not directional.
Regular rotation can extend total tread life by 20% or more and is often required to maintain treadwear warranties.
Skipping tire rotations can easily lead to a shorter service life and reduced usability. It also voids the manufacturer’s treadwear warranty.
If uneven wear appears on your tires, have your alignment checked before tire rotation.
Tread Depth (Penny and Quarter Test)
Check monthly or when you check tire pressure.
The tread depth determines how well the tires can grip the road and channel water in wet conditions. New tires have a 10/32” to 11/32” of tread. The legal minimum is 2/32”.
10/32”
Excellent
10/32”
New Tire
Excellent
8/32”
Good
8/32”
Lightly Worn
Good
6/32”
Good
6/32”
Half Worn
Good
4/32”
Replace Soon
4/32”
Quarter Test Limit
Replace Soon
2/32”
Replace Now
2/32”
Penny Test / Legal Min
Replace Now
The Penny Test: insert a penny into the tread groove with Lincoln's head pointing down. If the top of Lincoln’s head can be seen, the tread is at or below 2/32”, which means that the tire needs to be replaced.
The Quarter Test: insert the quarter with Washington’s head pointing down. If the top of Washington’s head is visible, the tread is at or below 4/32”, which means that you should start shopping for new tires.
For ideal snow traction, 5/32” tread depth or more is recommended for safe performance.
Check tread depth in multiple spots across the tire and in different grooves. Uneven wear indicates alignment or inflation problems.
Most tires have built-in tread wear indicators, which are small raised bars in the grooves. When the tread surface is slush with these bars, the tire is at 2/32”.
Dedicated tread depth gauges provide precise and immediate measurements of tire wear in 32nds of an inch.
Tires with uneven tread wear may need alignment correction before replacement.
At 2/32” tread depth, wet braking distances can double compared to new tires.
The DOT Code
The DOT code is an important identification and manufacturing information molded on the tire’s sidewall. It begins with the letters “DOT” followed by a combination of letters and numbers. Understanding this code helps you verify the tire’s age, origin, and compliance with federal safety standards.
The most important part of the DOT code for everyday drivers is the last four digits, which indicate the tire’s manufacturing date. The first two digits represent the week of the production, while the last two represent the year. For example, the tire with a DOT code 2319 was manufactured in the 23rd week of 2019.
Why it matters:
- Tires age from the inside out, meaning a tire can look perfectly fine on the surface while the rubber compound inside is already degrading.
- Heat, UV exposure, and oxidation all break down the rubber over time, regardless of how much tread remains.
- Most manufacturers recommend replacing any tire that is 6 years old or older from its manufacture date. Treating any tire over 10 years old is unsafe, and there are no exceptions.
Always check the DOT code when buying used tires or a used vehicle. A tire with a perfect tread but a manufacture date of 8 or more years ago should be replaced. When buying new tires, check that the DOT code shows they were manufactured within the last 12 to 18 months. Tires that have been sitting in a warehouse for years may already be partially aged before they ever hit the road.
Wheel Alignment
Every 12 months or 12,000 miles
Wheel alignment needs to be checked every 12 months or 12,000 miles and after hitting a pothole or curb.
Toe: The tire toe is the angle at which the tire points inward or outward relative to the vehicle’s centerline when viewed from above. Incorrect toe causes rapid, uneven tire wear.
Camber: Camber is a critical wheel alignment that measures the inward or outward tilt of your tires when viewed from the front, measured in degrees. Excessive camber causes one-sided wear.
Caster: The caster is the angle of the steering axis. It affects straight-line stability and steering returns.
Signs you need alignment: vehicle pulls to one side, steering wheel is off-center, uneven treadwear, or the car wanders on a straight road.
Alignment should always be checked after installing new tires, replacing suspension components, or hitting a significant pothole or curb.
A proper FWD alignment typically costs $75-$150 and can save hundreds in premature tire replacement.
Driving on misaligned wheels can significantly shorten the tire’s service life and usability.
If your vehicle pulls sharply after hitting a pothole, have it inspected immediately, since a bent component may be the cause.
Seasonal Tire Storage
When swapping seasonal tire sets.
If you swap between summer and winter tires, proper storage extends the life of your off-season set. Rubber can easily degrade from heat, UV light, and ozone exposure.
Clean and protect the tire before storage, remove brake dust, road salt, and grime.
Store in a cool, dry, dark location. The ideal temperature is around 60-80°F. Avoid places with direct sunlight or near electric motors.
If the tires are mounted on wheels, inflate the tire to the recommended pressure and stack them flat or hang them on hooks.
Store unmounted tires standing upright and rotate their positions every few weeks to prevent flat spots.
Place each tire in an opaque, airtight bag (large garbage bags work) to reduce ozone exposure and slow rubber aging.
Tires have a shelf life; even unused tires degrade over time. Most manufacturers recommend replacing tires older than 6-10 years regardless of tread depth.
Never store tires near chemicals, solvents, or fuel, since they accelerate rubber degradation.
Tires stored in direct sunlight or extreme heat will age and crack prematurely.
Frequently Asked Questions
Tire maintenance refers to the regular care and practices that keep the tire in a safe, functional condition throughout its service life. It is not a single task but a collection of routine checks and actions that work together to ensure the tires perform as intended, wear evenly, and last as long as possible.
Poor tire maintenance is any habit or neglect that allows pressure, tread depth, rotation, alignment, seasonal fitment, storage, and spare tire conditions to go unchecked, waiting for problems to appear rather than preventing them.
Spare tires should be checked monthly for pressure, with periodic inspections of tread and sidewall condition. Verify the DOT code and replace the tire if it is more than 6 to 10 years old. Never drive a compact spare at speeds over 50 mph or for more than 50 to 70 miles.
Your tire maintenance light is most likely your TPMS (Tire Pressure Monitoring System) warning, which means one or more of your tires has dropped 25% below the recommended tire pressure.
Tire maintenance includes six core practices: checking and maintaining correct tire pressure every 30 days, regularly monitoring tread depth, rotating tires every 5,000 - 7,000 miles, checking wheel alignment every 12 months, checking the DOT code, and properly storing off-season tires when not in use.
No. Skipping any part of tire maintenance directly shortens tire service life, increases fuel consumption, and puts drivers at risk. Neglecting them not only costs money in premature replacements but can also lead to blowouts, loss of control, and longer braking distances in emergency situations.