How Regular Tire Maintenance Can Help Extend Tire Life

Two identical sets of tires can differ enormously in how long they last. The variable is usually maintenance, not brand.

Keep pressure where it belongs

Underinflated tires flex more, run hotter and wear their outer edges. Overinflated tires ride on the center rib. The correct pressure is on the driver's door jamb placard, not the sidewall of the tire.

Rotate on a schedule

Front and rear positions wear at different rates, especially on front-wheel-drive vehicles. Rotation spreads that wear across all four tires so the set reaches the end of its life together.

Watch alignment and balance

Triangle-area potholes and construction zones knock alignment out quietly. Misalignment can scrub thousands of miles off a tire set without any obvious symptom other than wear.

Inspect regularly

• Look for embedded nails, screws and glass
• Check for sidewall cracking, especially on vehicles parked outdoors
• Confirm tread depth across the width of the tire, not just one spot
• Do not forget the spare

What Factors Affect This Service?

• Vehicle type and drivetrain
• Service required — rotation, pressure check or replacement
• Location where the work is performed
• Tire and equipment requirements
• Existing condition and wear of the tires