Tire Care Guides
Simple habits that keep your tires safe and lasting longer
Why tire care matters
Your tires are the only part of your vehicle that touches the road. Good maintenance keeps you safer, makes tires last longer, improves fuel economy, and sharpens handling in every season.
- Extend tire life by thousands of miles
- Improve fuel efficiency
- Reduce the risk of tire failure
- Improve handling and braking
- Save money on premature replacement
1. Check tire pressure monthly
Maintaining the correct pressure is one of the most important parts of tire care.
Underinflation can cause
- Excessive shoulder wear
- Poor fuel economy
- Reduced handling
- Increased heat buildup
- Potential tire failure
Overinflation can cause
- Center tread wear
- A harsher ride
- Reduced traction
- Greater vulnerability to impact damage
Pressure tips
- Check pressure when the tires are cold.
- Use the pressure on your door placard — not the maximum pressure molded on the sidewall.
2. Rotate your tires regularly
Tires wear differently depending on their position on the vehicle.
Benefits
- Even tread wear
- Longer tire life
- Better ride quality
- Improved traction
Rotate every 5,000–7,500 miles, or as your manufacturer recommends.
3. Keep your wheels aligned
Alignment affects how your tires contact the road.
Signs you may need an alignment
- The vehicle pulls left or right
- A crooked steering wheel
- Uneven tire wear
- Steering that feels loose
Benefits of proper alignment
- Longer tire life
- Better fuel economy
- Improved handling
- Safer driving
We recommend checking alignment annually or whenever you install new tires.
4. Balance your tires
Balancing distributes weight evenly around the tire and wheel assembly.
Signs of unbalanced tires
- Steering-wheel vibration
- Seat vibration
- Uneven tread wear
- Premature suspension wear
Balance whenever new tires are installed or a vibration appears.
5. Inspect your tread depth
Tread depth is critical for traction, especially in the wet.
The penny test
- Insert a penny into the tread groove with Lincoln’s head facing down.
- If you can see the top of his head, it’s time to replace the tire.
- The legal minimum in most states is 2/32".
Replace sooner for safety
- 4/32" for wet-weather performance
- 6/32" for winter driving
6. Watch for uneven wear
Uneven wear usually points to a maintenance issue.
Common wear patterns
- Center wear — overinflation
- Edge wear — underinflation
- One-sided wear — alignment problems
- Cupping or scalloping — worn suspension or improper balancing
Regular inspections catch problems before they become expensive repairs.
7. Avoid road hazards
Potholes, curbs, and debris can damage tires and wheels.
After hitting a pothole, check for
- Sidewall bulges
- Cuts
- Air loss
- Vibration while driving
If you notice any of these, have the tire inspected right away.
8. Understand tire age
Even with tread left, tires age over time.
Aging factors
- Heat
- Sunlight
- Ozone exposure
- Storage conditions
Most manufacturers recommend annual inspections after 5 years and replacement around 6–10 years depending on condition.
9. Install new tires on the rear
When replacing only two tires, the newer pair should go on the rear axle — whether your vehicle is front-, rear-, or all-wheel drive.
Better rear traction helps
- Reduce oversteer
- Improve stability
- Lower the risk of spinouts on wet roads
This is supported by major tire manufacturers and safety organizations.
10. Know when to replace your tires
Replace your tires if you notice any of these — and never ignore visible tire damage.
- Tread depth at or below 2/32"
- Cracks in the sidewall
- Bulges or bubbles
- Repeated air loss
- Severe uneven wear
- Exposed cords or belts
Quick maintenance schedule
| Service | Recommended interval |
|---|---|
| Tire pressure check | Monthly |
| Tread inspection | Monthly |
| Tire rotation | 5,000–7,500 miles |
| Wheel balance | As needed / with new tires |
| Alignment check | Annually |
| Professional inspection | Every oil change |