Measure your tread depth regularlyMeasuring your tread depth
It's a good idea to check your tire's tread at least once a month for signs of uneven wear. Here are some helpful tips for measuring your tread.
Tire buying guide
Tips for Protecting your tire investment
Tips for Protecting your tire investment
New tires aren’t just a purchase, they’re an investment. So make sure you’re caring for them properly and getting all the miles that you paid for. Take a look at our tire buying guide and learn how to lengthen your tires' lives.
New tires are an investment. Get every mile that you paid for with these simple tips that can really help them go the distance.
Using a tread depth gauge
You can find an inexpensive tread depth gauge at any auto parts store or online. Most tire gauges have a probe that extends out of the end of the gauge to measure the tread depth of your tire’s grooves. First, locate the lowest, most worn area around the tire’s tread, and place the probe end of your tread gauge into the groove. Push down. This will cause the tire gauge to extend outward, revealing the tread depth measurement. Because tires can wear unevenly, Tireman recommends that you check your tread depth in multiple spots.
The penny test
First, take a penny and place it with Lincoln’s head upside down between two ribs on your tire. If part of the head is covered, your tires are still in good shape. If you can see his entire head, your tread is worn to 2⁄32 inch or less and it’s time for new tires. It's also important not to check just one spot. Make sure to measure several points on the tire, checking for uneven wear.
What are tread wear bars?
Tread wear indicator bars are small, raised bars found within the grooves of your tires. They are placed around the tire at different points to measure how evenly your tread is being worn down. The purpose of the wear bars is to offer an easy, visual indication of how much tread is left on your tires. Once your tread becomes flush with the wear bar, it's time for a new set.
Why should I check my tire pressure?
Tire pressures are by no means constant. They can be affected by nothing more than a change in outdoor temperatures. Pressures can fluctuate 1 psi(pounds per square Inch) for every 10 degrees Fahrenheit. A temperature increase drives a psi increase and a decrease in temperature results in a decrease in psi. Noticing a decrease in the pressure of one of your tires can also be a sign of a foreign object in the tread that’s causing a slow leak. But you won't know unless you check. So as a rule, just set aside five minutes at the beginning of each month to check the tire pressures and make sure they are inflated to match the vehicle and tire manufacturer’s specifications.
Where do I find my tire pressure?
To make sure you’re running the right tire pressures, you first need to know what they are. Vehicle manufacturers are kind enough to put this info in both the owner’s manual and on the driver’s side door jamb. Keep in mind, front and rear pressure recommendations could be slightly different. Once you know the right pressures, you can check to see if your tires are under, over or just right.
Benefits of proper tire inflation.
The U.S. Department of Transportation estimates that every day, five million gallons of fuel are wasted due to low tire pressures. That’s a lot of fuel and it costs you even more money. Having your tires properly inflated is the fastest, simplest and cheapest way to make sure your vehicle is getting better gas mileage. When you have to fill up less often, your fuel cost savings can add up quickly. If that isn't enough, there’s also the added safety. An underinflated or overinflated tire is more likely to result in tire failure, which could result in an accident. Running tires with improper pressures also affects the wear, which means you could take as much as a year off the life of a set of tires.
How to check your tire pressure
It's always recommended to check your tire pressure when your tires are "cold". Tires are considered cold when the vehicle has been parked for at least three hours, or driven less than one mile at moderate speed. First, remove the valve cap from one of your tires. Then place the pressure gauge on the valve stem and press down firmly. The air pressure will push a small bar out from the bottom of the gauge. Measurement units are etched into the bar. Now, compare the measured psi to the psi found on the sticker inside the driver’s door or in your owner’s manual. DO NOT compare to the psi on your tire’s sidewall. Finally, if your psi is above the number, let air out until it matches. If below, add air until it reaches the proper number.
What is TPMS?
Tire Pressure Monitoring System
Simply put, the TPMS is there to alert you that the pressure in one or more of your tires is a certain amount below or above the recommended psi. But remember, the warning light can’t tell you which tire is underinflated. So if you see the TPMS icon illuminated, check the pressure in all four tires as soon as possible.
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What is a wheel alignment?
Sometimes called a front-end alignment, this adjustment is made to make sure your vehicle tracks straight and true whenever it’s in motion. Proper alignment is a delicate balancing act encompassing power, acceleration, steering, braking and suspension. It involves adjusting the camber (outward or inward tilt of the tires), caster (front or rear tilt), and toe (direction of the tires when viewed from above). It helps ensure that when the wheels are quickly rotating, there’s no unwanted drift from side-to-side or up-and-down vibrations.
What is a tire rotation?
Periodically changing the positions of each tire on your vehicle is better known as a “tire rotation”. Your vehicle and tire manufacturers will have recommendations for how often and in what direction to move the tires.
What is tire balancing?
This procedure properly adjusts the tire weight distribution around the vehicle. Balancing is an important service that’s recommended to help you get better vehicle performance and more miles out of your tires.
Don’t keep your new tires waiting.
Don’t keep your new tires waiting.
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We’ll help you find the perfect tires in a few steps.
