(800) 956-3728 
Whether you’re a daily commuter or an occasional road tripper, understanding how to care for your tires can significantly improve your driving experience. “Your tires are one of the most important safety components on your vehicle, yet they’re often overlooked,” says Justin Yoshizawa, Director, Product Management. “Regular pressure checks, rotations, and tire alignment can significantly improve handling, fuel efficiency, and tire life, while helping drivers avoid preventable accidents and costly repairs.” Here are a few tire maintenance tips to help keep your tires rolling smoothly.
Why Tire Care Matters for Safety and Savings
Tires are the only part of your vehicle that come into contact with the road. That makes it all the more critical that your car’s tires remain in peak condition. “Braking, handling, and overall safety all depend on well-cared-for tires,” adds Justin Yoshizawa, Director, Product Management. “Regular tire inspection, along with the right tire care, can also extend tire life and reduce fuel and repair costs over time.”
Essential Tire Maintenance Tips Every Driver Should Follow
Staying on top of basic tire maintenance helps prevent uneven wear, improves performance, and reduces the risk of blowouts or handling issues. These simple habits can make a noticeable difference in both safety and comfort.
Check tire pressure and inflation
Maintaining the correct tire pressure is key to your vehicle’s safety and performance. Underinflated tires can lead to poor fuel efficiency and uneven wear, while overinflated tires can reduce traction and increase the risk of a blowout. Here’s a simple guide to help you check your tire pressure:
- Find the right tire pressure: Check your vehicle’s manual or the sticker inside the driver’s side door to find the recommended tire pressure.
- Use a tire pressure gauge: Remove the valve cap from one of your tires, press the gauge onto the valve stem, and read the pressure. Repeat for all four tires.
- Adjust as needed: If the pressure is too low, add air using an air compressor. If it’s too high, release some air. Make sure to check the pressure again after adjusting.
- Regular checks: A tire can lose up to 25% of its original air pressure per month, so make it a habit to check your tire pressure at least once a month and before long trips. This helps ensure your tires are always in optimal condition.
Inspect tread depth and wear patterns
Tire tread provides the necessary grip and traction your car needs on the road. Adequate tire tread is vital for safe driving, especially in wet or slippery conditions. Here’s how to check tire tread:
- Penny test: Insert a penny into the tread groove with Lincoln’s head facing down. If you can see the top of Lincoln’s head, it’s time to replace your tires.
- Tread wear indicators: Modern tires have built-in tread wear indicators, which are small raised bars within the tread grooves. If these bars are flush with the tire’s surface, your tread is too worn.
- Tread depth gauge: For a more precise measurement, use a tread depth gauge. Place the gauge into the tread groove and press it down until the base is flush with the tire. Read the measurement on the gauge to ensure your tread depth is above the minimum recommended level (usually 2/32 of an inch).
Make it a habit to check your tire tread every few months or before long trips. Regular inspections help catch potential issues early and keep you safe on the road. If your tread depth is below the recommended level or if you notice uneven tire wear patterns, cracks, or bulges, it’s time to replace your tires.
Maintain proper tire balance
Over time, tire weight distribution can change due to normal wear and tear. Unbalanced tires can cause vibrations, uneven wear, and stress on your vehicle’s suspension system. So, what does balancing tires do? It involves placing small weights on the wheel to counterbalance uneven weight distribution. Mechanics typically use a specialized machine that spins the tires and identifies imbalances.
When tires are balanced, the weight is evenly distributed around the wheel, ensuring a smoother ride, reducing tire wear, and improving the overall handling of your vehicle. Balance your tires whenever you install new tires, after a tire repair, or if you notice vibrations while driving, especially at higher speeds. It’s also a good idea to balance your tires every 5,000 to 7,000 miles to maintain smooth performance.
Tire Alignment and Why It’s Important
Wheel alignment is a maintenance procedure that involves adjusting the angles of the wheels so that they’re set to the manufacturer’s specifications. The main goal is to ensure that the wheels are perpendicular to the ground and parallel to each other, improving the vehicle’s handling, ensuring even tire wear, and increasing your tires’ lifespan. Consider these tips when it comes to tire alignment:
- Signs of misalignment: Look out for signs such as uneven tire wear, your vehicle pulling to one side, or a crooked steering wheel when driving straight.
- Schedule regular alignments: It’s generally recommended to check your tire alignment every 4,000 to 6,000 miles or whenever you notice any signs of misalignment. This can often be done during routine maintenance visits.
- Professional service: Wheel alignment is a precise process that requires specialized equipment. Visit a professional service center to ensure your wheels are aligned correctly according to the manufacturer’s specifications.
How Proper Tire Maintenance Can Help You Save on Gas
Well-maintained tires reduce rolling resistance, which means your engine doesn’t have to work as hard. Maintaining proper pressure and alignment can lead to noticeable improvements in fuel efficiency over time, by one or two miles per gallon.
Regular maintenance ensures your vehicle offers a smooth, safe ride. However, accidents happen, and you want to make sure you have the right coverage to protect you when facing the unexpected. Consider Mercury for auto insurance and enjoy best-in-class coverage at an affordable rate.
FAQs About Tire Safety and Maintenance
How long do tires last on average?
Most tires last between three and five years on average. Keep in mind that driving habits, road conditions, and maintenance all play a role in the longevity of your tires.
What are the signs you need a tire alignment?
Uneven tread wear, pulling to one side, or a crooked steering wheel are common signs that your vehicle may need an alignment.
How often should you rotate your tires?
You should aim to rotate your tires every 5,000 to 8,000 miles. Make rotation and balance a part of your car’s regular maintenance schedule.
Justin Yoshizawa is Director of Product Management for Mercury Insurance, overseeing California’s personal lines, including auto, homeowners, landlord, and umbrella. He has led major initiatives such as the rollout of the aligned umbrella product across all Mercury territories and serves as a company spokesperson on auto-related topics. Yoshizawa holds dual Bachelor of Science degrees in Applied Mathematics and Applied Statistics from UC Santa Barbara.
The Mercury Marketing Team is made up of professionals in the fields of Content Creation, Public Relations, Social Media and Journalism. The team works together to deliver professionally written and researched content to provide information for consumers.