Tires are one of the most important parts of your vehicle and often the most overlooked. Not only can poorly maintained tires lead to costly repairs, but it can also put yourself and others at significant risk. Taking care of your tires is very simple to do and can usually be done in your garage before you head out or while you’re at the gas station filling up. Here are some easy things you can do to maintain the health of your tires and make sure you’re driving safely.

Tips to Keep your Tires in Prime Condition

• Check your tires’ pressure regularly
• Check for damage and unusual wear and tear
• Make sure your tires have enough tread
• Keep your wheels in proper alignment
• Maintain good driving habits

Check your tires’ pressure regularly

Tire pressure is extremely important for tire health and driving safety. If your tires are overinflated, it can increase fuel consumption and lead to an increased rate of wear and tear. If your tires are improperly inflated (too much or too little) it can result in a blowout and cause you to lose control while driving. It is recommended you check your tires’ pressure at least once a month and take care of pressure issues when you have them. You should remember to check your spare tire as well.

Tip: Check your tires’ pressure before long trips or when your car is going to be heavier than normal

Check for damage and unusual wear and tear

Tires are going to have normal wear and tear on them over time, but you should make sure to check for any excessive damage or things that seem unusual. Damages you should look out for include cuts, bulges, or any objects that seem to have punctured the tire. If you notice these damages, you can take it to your local mechanic to get it checked out and possibly replaced. If you puncture your tire while driving, replace it with your spare as quickly as possible and then get into a mechanic to get a new tire. 

Tip: A general rule of thumb is to drive no more than 70 miles and no faster than 50mph with your spare on

Make sure your tires have enough tread

Your tire’s tread is a very important piece in the overall performance of your car. Correct tread depth also increases the safety of your vehicle when driving in poor weather conditions such as rain and ice. The legal minimum tread depth is 2/32 inch. If your tire tread gets below this, I can cause a lack of control while driving and can be very dangerous. 

Tip: A easy way to check your tire’s tread depth is by using a penny. Insert the penny in your tire’s groove with Lincoln’s head upside down and facing you. If you can see all of Lincoln’s head, it’s time to replace your tires. 

Keep your wheels in proper alignment

Incorrectly aligned tires can be very dangerous for your care and your tires. Improper alignment increases the rate of wear and tear and makes it occur unevenly. It can also weaken your tires and make them more susceptible to damage. When getting your car worked on or tires replaced, make sure the alignment is also checked and fixed if needed to prevent safety risks. 

Tip: If you notice your car is veering to the left or right or its not driving in the center of the road, it may be time to check your tire alignment. 

Maintain good driving habits

Maintaining good driving habits is something every driver should always be doing. Not just for your tire or car health, but for the overall safety of you and others. Avoid excessive acceleration and braking and constantly starting or stopping while driving. Try to drive as smoothly and consistently as possible. It’s best to avoid uneven roads if possible. Also, look out for potholes and drive slowly over speed bumps to keep in tip-top shape. 

Tip: Always be mindful of the curb when parking. Avoid mounting them if you can as hitting them can damage your tires and their internal components.