How to Get More Miles Out of Your Tires

A few simple habits can help protect one of your vehicle’s bigger investments

Article By:

Nick Timmerman, Owner

Hills Tire & Supply

Keep an Eye on Tire Pressure

Driving on improperly inflated tires can cause uneven wear and shorten tire life.

Check your tire pressure regularly rather than waiting for the warning light. Use the recommended pressure for your vehicle, typically found on the label inside the driver’s door, rather than the maximum pressure printed on the tire itself.

And remember that tire pressure can change as temperatures change.

Don't Skip Rotations

Your tires don’t necessarily wear at the same rate.

Front and rear tires handle different loads and forces depending on your vehicle. Regular rotation helps distribute that wear more evenly, giving all four tires a better chance of reaching their expected lifespan.

Follow your vehicle and tire manufacturer’s recommendations for rotation intervals.

Pay Attention to Uneven Wear

If one side of a tire is wearing much faster than the other, don’t simply assume you need a new tire.

Uneven wear can be a clue that something else needs attention. Alignment, inflation or suspension issues can all contribute to unusual wear patterns.

Replacing the tire without correcting the underlying problem could mean the new one starts wearing unevenly, too.

Give Potholes a Little Respect

Sometimes they’re unavoidable, but hitting potholes, curbs and other road hazards can affect tires, wheels and alignment.

After a particularly hard hit, pay attention to changes in how your vehicle drives. Pulling to one side, vibration or a steering wheel that’s suddenly off-center deserves a closer look.

Your Driving Habits Matter

Hard acceleration, sudden braking and aggressive cornering can all increase tire wear.

You don’t have to drive like there’s a glass of water balanced on the dashboard, but smoother driving can be easier on your tires and plenty of other vehicle components, too.

Take a Look Once in a While

You don’t need to be a tire expert to notice something looks different.

Check for unusual wear, damage and changes in tire pressure. Regular maintenance won’t make your tires last forever, but it can help you get the life you should out of them.