Why Proper Tire Maintenance Could Save Your Life

Article overview

• Tires are your first line of defense on the road. Proper tire maintenance directly impacts safety, performance and how well your car handles, brakes and grips the road.
• Watch for wear and damage. Uneven tread, bulges, cracks or odd driving behavior like pulling or vibrations are all warning signs that your tires need attention.
• Maintain your tires with simple monthly checks. Regular inspections, pressure checks, rotation and choosing the right tires can prevent costly repairs and keep you safer behind the wheel.

Your tires do more than get you from point A to point B. They're your first line of defense on the road. Whether you're commuting, running errands or heading out on a summer road trip, your safety depends on tires that are properly maintained and ready for the miles ahead.

Think about it: no matter how powerful your engine is or how advanced your safety features are, your tires are the only part of your vehicle that touches the road. They’re responsible for gripping the pavement, responding to your steering, and helping you stop when it matters most.

Neglecting your tires, like letting the pressure drop too low or ignoring worn tread, can lead to blowouts, poor handling, longer stopping distances and even crashes. That’s why regular maintenance isn’t just about convenience or performance, it’s about keeping you and your passengers safe.

How to spot signs of tire wear and damage

Like any part of your vehicle, tires don’t last forever.  Over time, your car tires will eventually wear down to the point of replacement. Certain problems can cause them to wear faster or become unsafe much sooner. Many warning signs are easy to spot with a quick visual inspection or can be felt while you're driving.

What to look for on tires before you drive

A simple visual check of your tires can help you catch early signs of trouble. Here’s what to watch for:

• Uneven tread wear: If one part of a tire is more worn than the rest, your wheels may be out of alignment or your tires may need to be balanced. This uneven wear can affect how your car handles and reduces your grip on the road.
• Worn edges or center: Overinflated tires wear down in the center of the tread. Underinflated tires wear more along the edges. In both cases, your tires won’t last as long and may not perform as well.
• Bumps or bulges: A raised spot or bubble on the tread or sidewall usually means internal damage, such as a separated belt. This can lead to a dangerous blowout if not fixed or replaced.
• Cracks, cuts or objects stuck in the tire: These signs of damage can lead to air leaks or tire failure. Even if your tire looks fine at first glance, it's a good idea to inspect it closely.

What you might notice while driving

Some tire issues only become obvious once you're on the road. Keep an eye out for:

• Pulling to one side: If your car drifts left or right even when you’re steering straight, one of your tires may be low on air or damaged. It may also be an alignment issue.
• Vibrations or thumping: A shaky or bumpy ride can mean your tires are out of balance, have a flat spot or are damaged inside. These issues can reduce control and comfort.

Tire maintenance suggestions and safety essentials

There are several preventative practices you can implement to mitigate these symptoms and improve the overall longevity of your tires. They include:

• Choose the right tires: Cheaper tires may save money upfront, but they can wear out faster or cause problems later. When buying tires, make sure they match your vehicle’s size, load limits and how you drive. A trusted tire shop or auto dealer can help you pick the best option for your needs and budget.
• Check tire pressure regularly: At least once a month—and before long trips—check your tire pressure. The best time to check is when your car has been parked overnight and the tires are cold. Use a pressure gauge to see if the levels match your vehicle’s recommended settings (found in your owner’s manual or on a sticker inside the driver’s door jamb).

Note: Many cars have tire pressure sensors, but they only warn you when pressure is too low—not when it’s too high. That’s why checking manually is still important

• Adjust speed for weather: Slow down on wet roads. Driving at lower speeds helps your tires grip the road better and reduces the risk of hydroplaning. Your tires perform best on warm, dry days.
• Check your tread with a quarter: Insert a quarter into the tread grooves with Washington’s head facing down. If you can see the top of his head, your tread is too worn, and it’s time to replace the tires.
• Look for sidewall damage: Check your tires for deep cuts, cracks or bulges in the sidewalls. These can be signs that the tire needs to be replaced.
• Don’t overload your vehicle: Carrying too much weight puts extra pressure on your tires, which can lead to overheating, early wear or even tire failure. Check your owner’s manual for the maximum load your car can handle.
• Balance your tires: If your tires are unbalanced, they’ll wear unevenly. Regular balancing helps them wear more evenly and can make your ride smoother.
• Rotate your tires: Rotate your tires every 5,000 to 8,000 miles. This helps extend tread life, improve traction and boost your vehicle’s handling and braking.
• Know when to replace your tires: Most experts recommend replacing tires after six years, even if they still have tread. Older tires are more likely to develop cracks, bulges or split treads. You can find the tire’s age by checking the DOT number on the sidewall, which will tell you when the tire was made.

While this is a lot to look out for, there is no need to feel overwhelmed. You do not need to go through a lengthy inspection checklist every time you plan to get behind the wheel. If you know your vehicle well enough to determine if something feels off while you are on the road, a monthly inspection is ideal for ensuring your tires are healthy, safe and road-ready. However, if you fail to perform routine inspections and ignore the signs, you could find yourself dealing with a blowout or something even more costly.