Maximize the lifespan and performance of your tires.
In the realm of car maintenance and expenses, new tires rank high on the list of necessary – and often, expensive – upgrades. While the total cost will depend on tire size, type, and brand name, the median price in the U.S. sits around $600 for a set of 4 new tires – and that’s not including the price of installation. Suffice it to say, you’ll want to find ways of prolonging the life of your investment.
Knowing which habits or factors can shorten your tire lifespan is key, along with learning key tire protection strategies. So, whether you're a road warrior or a casual driver, here are 5 practical tips to enhance your tires’ longevity, improve overall fuel efficiency, and enjoy a smoother and safer journey.
1. Check Tire Inflation Monthly
Ensuring that your tires are properly inflated is one of the easiest and most affordable ways to improve your tire lifespan. Under-inflated tires wear faster, and can lead to cracking or dangerous blowouts. In fact, it is under-inflated tires – not punctures – that are the leading cause of tire failure.
Tire pressure is measured in PSI, which is the minimum amount of air pressure needed inside the tires in order to support your vehicle when it is at its maximum load. You can find your vehicle’s recommended PSI listed on the sticker on your driver’s side front door panel or in the owner’s manual. Some vehicles also have it listed inside the glove compartment or inside the fuel door.
Most newer vehicles come equipped with a very convenient tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) which automatically alerts you if one or more of your tires falls too far below the recommended inflation pressure. However, some older models will only let you know the tire is low; they can’t provide an exact readout of PSI. To obtain that number, you’ll need a tire pressure gauge.
Sure, you can use the beat-up one integrated into the air pump at the gas station – or you can just buy your own. We recommend a digital model, as it helps remove the guesswork with accurate readouts and a back-lit display screen.
2. Rotate and Balance Your Tires Regularly
No matter what type of vehicle you drive, the tires will eventually suffer from uneven wear. There are many factors contributing to this, such as variations in tire pressure, suspension issues, and even driving habits – but the drive system associated with your vehicle plays a big role, too.
For example, in RWD vehicles, the rear tires (which receive the power) will often wear out more quickly than the front. By rotating the tires, you can distribute this wear more evenly across all four tires, extending their lifespan and ensuring consistent performance.
How often this should be done will vary, depending on the vehicle, but a good rule of thumb is every 5,000 to 7,500 miles. (Some folks schedule theirs to coincide with an oil change for easy tracking.)
It’s a good idea to also get your wheels balanced with each tire rotation. This just ensures that the weight is evenly distributed around the tire and wheel assembly for more uniform wear and a smoother ride.
3. Get Your Wheels Aligned
Plowing through deep potholes or bumping barriers and curbs during parking can cause your wheels to become misaligned. The leads to your vehicle vibrating at higher speeds or constantly pulling to one side or the other while driving – both of which can accelerate uneven wear.
During an alignment, a mechanic will check and adjust the angles of the wheels so that they are perpendicular to the ground and parallel to each other. This not only helps maximize tire lifespan, but also improves overall vehicle handling (along with your safety).
Aim to get an alignment once a year or with every other oil change. Mileage-wise, mechanics usually estimate this to be around every 6,000 miles. Yes, it’s pricier than having your tires rotated and balanced, but it’s still far less expensive than buying new tires.
4. Don’t Drive Like You Stole It
There’s a reason vehicles are purpose-built for track days; all that quick acceleration, hard turning, and sudden stopping takes its toll. Aggressive driving places excessive stress on crucial components like brakes, suspension parts, and yes – tires, wearing them down faster than you might realize.
Remember, your daily driver was designed for stability, smoothness, and comfort. If you want to pull more spirited performance features from it, then you need to invest in the right upgrades. Bigger brakes, adjustable shocks, and performance tires are a good place to start.
5. Stay Tire-Smart
At the end of the day, the best tire protection strategy you can practice is a simple check-up. Get in the habit of giving your wheels and tires a once-over every week to check for any red flags. On the tires, look for bulges, cracks, punctures, and tread wear; for wheels, keep an eye out for dents, corrosion, loose lug nuts, and pitting.
If you have a vehicle that sits for long periods of time, it’s a good idea to move it regularly so your tires don’t develop flat spots. Or, consider taking the wheels off altogether and storing them inside on their sides to better protect them.
Another easy tire-healthy habit is to practice proper vehicle loading and weight distribution. Overloading your vehicle places undue stress on tires, compromising safety and speeding up wear and tear. By prioritizing proper weight distribution and adhering to your vehicle's recommended load capacity, you can help reduce strain and extend tire lifespan.