Complete Guide to Tire Care and Maintenance

Why Tire Maintenance Matters

Your tires are literally where the rubber meets the road. Proper tire maintenance affects:

• Vehicle safety and handling
• Fuel efficiency
• Tire lifespan
• Brake performance

Check Your Tire Pressure Regularly

Monthly Pressure Checks:

• Check pressure when tires are cold (before driving)
• Find recommended PSI on driver’s door jamb or owner’s manual
• Under-inflated tires waste fuel and wear faster
• Over-inflated tires reduce traction and increase blowout risk

Pressure Changes with Temperature:

• Tire pressure drops about 1 PSI for every 10°F temperature decrease
• Check more frequently during season changes

The Penny Test for Tread Depth

Check your tire tread depth:

1. Insert a penny into the tire groove
2. If you can see the top of Lincoln’s head, tread is too worn
3. Recommended minimum: 4/32” tread depth
4. For safety in wet conditions: 6/32” tread depth

Tire Rotation

Why Rotate? Tires wear unevenly based on position and driving style.

Rotation Intervals: Every 5,000-7,000 miles or every 6 months

Rotation Patterns:

• Front-wheel drive: Move rear tires forward
• Rear-wheel drive: Move front tires to back
• All-wheel drive: Most complex pattern—follow your manual

Regular rotation extends tire life significantly.

Wheel Alignment

Misalignment causes:

• Uneven tire wear
• Poor handling
• Pulling to one side
• Increased fuel consumption

Signs You Need Alignment:

• Vehicle pulls left or right
• Steering wheel not centered
• Uneven tire wear
• Squealing tires during turns

Get alignment checked annually or whenever suspension work is performed.

Tire Balancing

Balanced tires ensure:

• Smooth ride
• Even wear
• Reduced vibration
• Better fuel economy

Have wheels balanced whenever:

• New tires are installed
• Tires are rotated
• You notice vibration

Tread Wear Indicators

Modern tires have built-in wear bars:

• Run horizontally across the tread
• When visible at tire surface, tread is too worn
• It’s time for replacement

Common Tire Problems

Bulges or Blisters: Sidewall damage—tire must be replaced

Punctures: Small punctures (less than 1/4”) can sometimes be repaired

Flat Spots: Uneven wear from skidding or parking long-term—may need replacement

Sidewall Cracks: Indicate aging or UV damage—monitor and replace if severe

Seasonal Tire Considerations

Summer Tires: Offer better handling but are dangerous in snow

Winter Tires: Designed for cold weather, essential in heavy snow areas

All-Season Tires: Compromise option for mild climates

Tire Storage Tips

If you store off-season tires:

• Store in a cool, dry location
• Keep away from direct sunlight
• Store upright (don’t stack)
• Check pressure before reinstalling

How Long Do Tires Last?

• Mileage: 25,000-50,000 miles typically
• Age: Replace tires after 10 years regardless of tread
• Damage: Immediately if severely damaged

Schedule Regular Tire Service

Donebyjaaycee offers tire services including:

• Pressure checks and adjustments
• Rotation
• Balance
• Patch repairs
• Replacement

Call us for a tire inspection—we’ll come to you!