Tire Maintenance and Replacement Isn’t Fun, But It Beats A Trip to the ER. Here’s the Need-to-Know
It’s a crazy rumor but it elicits shudders of fear: Paul Walker, the star of the Fast and Furious movie franchise, was killed in a car crash when a friend, behind the wheel of his Porsche, lost control at over 100 MPH. The official report sited driver error, but the rumor? That the Porsche had old, dry, tires that simply couldn’t grip the pavement safely.
We may never know the full story, but just knowing that his tires may have turned the crash deadly is enough to want to run out and check your own tires.
Tires are perhaps the most important part of your car other than you, the driver. They are the only thing that hold your car to the ground as you corner, stop, accelerate, and drive through puddles. Incorrect tires, improper tire maintenance, or old tires can be a safety hazard for you and the people around you! Knowning basics of tire maintenance and replacement will help keep you and your vehicle safe.
This story is 100% human researched and written based on actual first-person knowledge, extensive experience and expertise on the subject of cars and trucks.
When Is Tire Replacement Warranted? First Test: Check the Tread
The biggest question when it comes to tires is, “How do I know when it’s time to get new tires?” Unfortunately, our cars don’t have a light that tells us when the tire tread is low, so we have to make sure to check it ourselves. Every time you have an oil change, check the tread depth of your tires. While you can purchase a tread depth tool, the easiest test uses a penny. If you place the quarter inside the tread of your tire and can see the top of Washington’s head, that means it’s time for new tires!
Read: I Need New Tires. Should I Buy the Same Ones My Car Came With?
Other Reasons for Tire Replacement: Wear
There are a few situations where you may need new tires, even if you can’t see the top of Lincoln’s head and even if your tread depth is good. Imperfections in the tire, such as major cracks, dry rot, which looks like lots of tiny cracks across the whole tire, chunks of missing tread or bulges in the sidewall mean it’s time to replace the damaged tire.
Another sign is if your tires are wearing unevenly, such as worn on one side but full tread on the other, it’s time to replace the tire. Additionally, tires that are older than about 6 years are due for replacement.
In a perfect world, once your tires are 40-50% worn, you should replace all four tires, not just one or two. If the tire shop recommends replacing all four tires, this is for safety reasons. Replacing a single tire or two tires can cause drivetrain issues, especially in all-wheel-drive cars. It can also cause irregular steering and handling. Of course, replacing all four tires can be costly, so if you cannot afford to replace all four tires, speak to your tire shop and follow their recommendations for replacing two at a time.
Read: Buying New Tires? Dos and Don’ts to Find Your Best Fit
What Type of Tires Should You Buy?
The four main types of tires that are common on the road are all-season tires, summer tires, all-terrain tires, and winter tires.
- All-Season: The vast majority of vehicles on the road today come equipped with all-season tires because they’re adaptable and great for commuting. All-season tires provide a comfortable ride with decent handling in all weather conditions, as well as some capability in snow.
- Summer Tires: These are sportier tires that deliver both dry and wet traction in warmer weather. As the name implies, these tires will not provide good traction in the winter. Many sports cars, such as Mustangs and Porches are sold with summer tires, as they are only designed for moderate off-road use.
- All-Terrain: On the other hand, trucks, Jeeps and Broncos often come equipped with all-terrain tires. They will provide decent traction in all weather conditions. However, due to the deeper tread, or “knobs,” they’ll be louder and rougher in your daily commute.
- Winter Tires: These are designed specifically for driving on snow and ice. They’re a great option for people who live in areas with snowy winters. Keep in mind, winter tires wear out significantly faster in warmer months, so be sure to trade back to all-seasons before summer.
This is where I caution bargain hunters: don’t risk your safety buying used tires. Cheap, brand new tires are safer than used, name-brand tires. There are a multitude of different tire types—many of which you will never need; just stick with the type your car maker recommends and the brands recommended by the experts. There are a lot of price options within those parameters.
Read: 10 Things To Always Buy at an Auto Parts Store. Save Money and Installation Is Free!
How to Find the Correct Tire Size, Speed Rating, and Load Range
Tire size is written in the format shown above. The first, three-digit number is the width of the tire in millimeters. The second, two-digit number is called the aspect ratio. Essentially, this is the height of the sidewall. However, this is relative, as it references how tall the sidewall is as a percentage of the tire width. Generally speaking, the higher the number, the taller the sidewall. The “R” indicates that the tire is a radial, which almost all passenger tires are today. The final number is the wheel size in inches.
Also listed on the sidewall of your tire is the tire’s speed rating. This indicates how fast the tire can safely travel for an extended period of time. The speed rating is written as a letter which corresponds with a theoretical top speed. Most passenger car tires will have speed ratings significantly faster than you will drive on the street. Speed rating is a much greater concern when shopping for specialty tires, such as trailer tires, which can have ratings as low as 55mph.
A tire’s load range, or how much weight it can carry, is often listed immediately after the wheel size on the sidewall of the tire. This will be listed as a single letter that corresponds to the maximum load that the tire can bare. Load ratings are especially important on trucks. For example, an incorrectly load-rated tire can result in the tread splitting while hauling or towing.
Understanding the Tread-Wear Rating
All tires are assigned a tread-wear rating. This rating essentially correlates with how long you can expect the tire to last. The lower the tread-wear rating, the quicker the tire will wear down. Anything below a 200tw should primarily be saved for performance and track driving. Additionally, special care should be taken for anything between 200tw and 300tw. Most tires will come with a tread-wear warranty. This is a manufacturer’s warranty guaranteeing a certain life out of a tire. If a tire’s tread wears out before this warranty mileage, the manufacturer will typically offer a credit for the miles that were “left” in that warranty.
When purchasing new tires, be sure that all these ratings and sizes match up with the car maker’s specifications and recommendations. If you do not know these specifications off the top of your head, check the owner’s manual, or call your local tire dealer.
Properly Tire Maintenance Is Important—and Easy
Taking care of your tires can greatly increase their life and reduce the risk of an unexpected flat or blowout. Tire maintenance is perhaps the easiest maintenance on your whole vehicle, so don’t overlook it.
Be sure to regularly look for wear and damage. Check the tread depth, and also check the inner and outer sidewall and the tread for bulges, cracks, punctures, or other anomalies that may affect the tire’s efficacy.
Checking Your Tire Pressure: Another Easy Maintenance Task
Even if the low pressure light does not come on, check your tire pressure at least once a month, especially as the weather starts cooling down. If your tire pressure is too high or too low, your tires will wear unevenly, which shortens their overall life span. Overinflated tires are more prone to blowouts when hitting things like potholes. And don’t forget to check the pressure of your spare! You can get a simple tire pressure gauge at your local parts store.
Correcting Your Car’s Wheel Alignment Will Make Your Tires Last Longer
Over time, your car’s wheel alignment can change, especially after hitting a pothole or other large bumps. If extended miles are driven with an incorrect alignment, tires can wear unevenly or even quicker than normal, shortening the tires’ lifespan. Have your alignment checked approximately once a year, or every-other-oil change. Some nationwide mechanic shops offer lifetime alignments that can save you a lot of money over the life of your car.
Rotate Your Tires: Another Easy Tire Maintenance Task
Get your tires rotated every 5,000 to 8,000 miles, or to make things easy, every oil change. The tires on the front and rear of your car, as well as the left and right, may wear unevenly simply due to their location on the car. Rotating your tires can help all four tires wear evenly, and most tire shops will do this for free between tire purchases.
Tires can be rotated front-to-back, left-to-right, or front left to rear right (and vice-versa). Some vehicles can only have tires rotated in a certain direction. Therefore, make sure to check your owner’s manual or with your tire pro before rotating your own tires. Once you have rotated your tires, be sure the pressure is set to the recommended level.
Now that you know what to look for, go check your tires!
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