Top 5 Tips for Tire Maintenance
Tire maintenance is an extremely important aspect of vehicle maintenance and safety. As the part of your vehicle that actually makes contact with the road, properly-maintained tires are the best way to ensure safe and smooth travel. Here are our top tips for performing regular tire maintenance so you can stay road ready.
5. Check Your Tread Depth
Tire tread depth is one of the most important indicators of a tire’s lifespan and can have a huge impact on how safely it operates on the road. Tires with too little tread depth put you at greater risk of punctures, reduced traction, and hydroplaning.
You can easily check your tires’ tread depth using a quarter:
- Place the quarter between your tire’s tread blocks.
- With the caribou’s nose down (facing you), check if the tread covers the nose.
- If it covers the nose, your tires have adequate tread left.
- If it does not cover the nose, your tires are worn and may need to be replaced.
4. Store Your Summer/Winter Tires Safely
When the time comes to store your tires until next season, find a dark, dry location away from direct sunlight with low humidity. Tires should always be stored away from solvents, grease, oil, or any ozone-producing electrical equipment, which have deteriorating effects on tires (and are commonly stored in garages and sheds).
Coast offers Wheel StorIt with every new set of seasonal tires, ensuring your tires remains in the best condition possible when not in use.
3. Carry a Spare Tire (and Maintain It)
If possible, always carry a spare tire. Make sure it’s properly inflated and ready for use on a regular basis. You never know when you may need it, and having a spare (and jack) on hand can save you from needing a costly tow, will keep you having to wait for roadside assistance, and will get you back on the road as soon as possible until your primary tire can be repaired or replaced.
2. Rotate and Balance Your Tires Regularly
Follow proper tire rotation and balancing schedules. Manufacturer rotation patterns for your vehicle can be found in your owner’s manual, but generally we recommend rotating your tires every 6,000 to 10,000km. Routine rotations equalize wear across the entire set, increasing the viable lifespan of your tires.
Out-of-balance tires may be detected in bumps that become more noticeable at higher speeds. Balancing tires is necessary during initial installation and during a remount.
1. Check Your Tire Pressure / TPMS Light
Checking your tire pressure regularly or being mindful of your vehicle’s TPMS (tire pressure monitoring system) lights and alerts to ensure proper tire inflation at all times. Underinflated tires can lead to excess heat, uneven wear, decreased braking, and poor handling—all of which increase the likelihood of tread separation, blowouts, and other larger tire issues. Properly-inflated tires will maximize tread life, improve handling, increase fuel efficiency, and provide a safer overall driving experience. Check your vehicle’s manual or labels (often found on the driver’s side door panel) for specific recommended tire pressures.
