Keep Your Ride Safe and Smooth
Tires are the unsung heroes of your vehicle. They are the only point of contact between your car and the road, which means they play a crucial role in your safety, vehicle performance, and fuel efficiency. However, despite their importance, tires are often overlooked until there’s a problem. Regular tire maintenance is not only vital for extending the life of your tires but also for ensuring that you get the best performance out of your vehicle.

Let’s explore some essential tire maintenance tips every vehicle owner should follow.
1. Check Tire Pressure Regularly
Maintaining the proper tire pressure is one of the most important things you can do for your tires—and it’s also one of the easiest. Under-inflated or over-inflated tires can wear out more quickly, decrease fuel efficiency, and compromise handling, especially in adverse weather conditions.
Tip: Check your tire pressure at least once a month using a reliable tire pressure gauge. Always check the pressure when the tires are cold (before driving). The recommended tire pressure for your vehicle can be found in the owner’s manual or on the label inside the driver’s side door frame.

2. Rotate Your Tires Regularly
Tire rotation is crucial because it helps ensure that the wear on your tires is even. Without rotation, the tires on the front (especially in front-wheel-drive cars) or rear (in rear-wheel-drive cars) can wear out faster than others, leading to premature tire replacement.
Tip: We recommend tires be rotated every 5,000 miles.
3. Inspect Tires for Damage
Tires are susceptible to damage from road debris, potholes, and general wear over time. It’s important to inspect your tires regularly for visible damage, such as cuts, punctures, cracks, or bulges.
Tip: Look for any sharp objects lodged in the tread, such as nails or screws. If you notice any bulges or blisters, it’s essential to replace the tire immediately as these can lead to a blowout.

4. Check Tread Depth
Treading on your tires is critical for traction, especially in wet or slippery conditions. Worn-out tires with low tread depth will perform poorly, increasing the risk of accidents.
Tip: Use the “penny test” to check tread depth. Insert a penny into the tread with Lincoln’s head facing down. If you can see all of Lincoln’s head, your tires are worn out and should be replaced. America 1st Automotive recommends to replace tires when tread depth reaches 2/32 of an inch.
5. Balance and Align Your Tires
If your tires are out of balance or your vehicle’s alignment is off, it can lead to uneven wear, poor handling, and reduced fuel efficiency. Improper alignment can also affect your car’s steering and cause vibrations that can make for an uncomfortable ride.
Tip: If you notice your car pulling to one side, the steering wheel shaking, or uneven tire wear, it’s time to have your alignment and balance checked. Most experts recommend getting a wheel alignment every 12,000 miles or if you’ve hit a significant pothole or curb.
6. Replace Tires When Necessary
Even with regular maintenance, tires eventually wear out and need to be replaced. Keeping old tires past their prime can affect your car’s performance, safety, and fuel efficiency.
Tip: Pay attention to the age of your tires. Even if they haven’t worn out completely, tires can deteriorate over time due to exposure to heat, sunlight, and other environmental factors. Most tire manufacturers recommend replacing tires every 6 years, and absolutely no later than 10 years, regardless of tread wear.
7. Choose the Right Tires for Your Vehicle
Choosing the right tire for your vehicle and driving conditions is another key factor in ensuring your safety on the road. Tires come in various types (summer, winter, all-season) and sizes, and using the wrong type for your driving habits can negatively impact your car’s performance.
Tip: Consult your vehicle’s manual or a professional tire specialist to ensure you’re using the correct type and size of tires for your vehicle.
Tire maintenance is an essential aspect of vehicle upkeep that can often be overlooked. By regularly checking tire pressure, rotating your tires, inspecting for damage, monitoring tread depth, and ensuring proper alignment and balancing, you can extend the lifespan of your tires and improve your car’s performance and safety. Remember, tires are your first line of defense on the road, and maintaining them properly is crucial for your peace of mind while driving.
Whether commuting, taking a road trip, or running errands, keeping your tires in tip-top shape is a simple way to ensure a smoother, safer, and more efficient ride.
Let America 1st Automotive help you maintain your tires.
Next post will be about when should you replace your tires