Simple Guidelines for Tire Maintenance: Promoting Safety and Maximizing Cost Efficiency

Taking care of your tires is one of the simplest ways to improve safety, extend tire life, and even save money. Regular checks and seasonal maintenance can help prevent larger issues down the road. Here are a few key things to keep in mind:

Ensure Each Tire Has the Recommended Air Pressure

Always use the manufacturer-recommended pressure, which is typically posted on the driver-side door jamb sticker, do not use the pressure listed on the tire.

Properly inflated tires can improve fuel economy by 3–5%, putting that extra money into your pocket. Correct pressure also reduces heat build-up, helping tires last longer and saving you money.

Underinflated tires are more susceptible to overheating and may cause hazardous blowouts.

Check for Uneven Wear

You can often visually see excessive wear in the center of the tire or along the outer edge of the tread, sometimes even on just a single tire.

Over or under-inflated tires can cause uneven wear. It may also be a sign of other issues, so it’s a good idea to have a professional take a look.

Use the Right Tire for the Season

Winter and summer tires are designed specifically for the temperatures and conditions each season brings.

The key number for seasonal tire changes is 7°C, switch your tires when temperatures are consistently above or below this point.

For winter driving, look for the snowflake symbol to ensure you are using winter-approved tires. You will get substantially better performance below 7°C in virtually all conditions, including improved handling and stopping on ice and snow.

However, using winter tires in hot summer conditions can reduce safety. Braking distance can increase by up to 25%, and there is a higher chance of hydroplaning. The softer rubber compound also wears faster in warmer temperatures, leading to earlier replacement.

During warmer months, summer tires provide better handling, a smoother and quieter ride, and improved fuel efficiency due to lower rolling resistance.

Rotate Your Tires

Rotating your tires helps maintain even wear and increases overall tire life.

With average use, you should rotate your tires twice per year. A great time to do this is during your seasonal tire change.

Have Your Wheel Alignment Checked

Poor alignment can cause excessive tire wear and lead to early replacement. It can also increase safety risks, including vehicle pulling, loose steering, shaking, and reduced handling.

Have your service or tire professional inspect alignment at least once per year. Seasonal tire changes are a great time to check.

Have Older Tires Checked

If your tires are more than 6 years old, have them inspected, as tires do have a shelf life.

Rubber compounds and environmental factors both play a role in tire lifespan. As tires age, the risk of failure increases, even if they appear to be in good condition.

Staying on top of these simple tire maintenance steps can make a big difference in both safety and cost over time. Regular checks, seasonal changes, and professional inspections help ensure your tires perform as they should, keeping you safer on the road while extending the life of your investment.

Blog provided by: Permaseal Global