Tire Tips & Care for Everyday Drivers
Keep rides safer, smoother, and cheaper. This guide covers pressure, tread, rotation, alignment, flats, seasonal choices, storage, and more—built for rent-to-own customers.
Quick-Start: 5 Habits That Pay Off
Tire Pressure: Small Numbers, Big Savings
Use the PSI on your driver’s door sticker (or owner’s manual). The sidewall number is maximum pressure, not your target.
- Do Check monthly and before road trips—PSI drops ~1 per 10°F colder.
- Caution Underinflation overheats tires and wastes fuel.
- Pro tip Set a phone reminder for the first weekend each month.
Tread Depth: Grip You Can See
New tires start around 10/32″. Consider replacing at 4/32″ (wet safety) and must replace at 2/32″ (legal minimum in many states).
| Tread | Road Feel | Action |
|---|---|---|
| 8–10/32″ | Smooth, strong wet grip | Drive on |
| 4–7/32″ | Longer wet stops | Plan replacement |
| ≤ 3/32″ | Hydroplane risk | Replace |
Penny test: Insert a penny with Lincoln’s head upside down. If you see all of his head, you’re at or below 2/32″.
Rotation, Balance & Alignment
These three keep wear even and steering true.
- Rotation every 5–7k miles (or every other oil change). Front tires often wear faster.
- Balance if you feel vibration at highway speeds.
- Alignment if the vehicle pulls, the wheel is off-center, or you see inner/outer edge wear.
All-Season vs. Winter vs. All-Weather
- All-season: Good for mild climates; performance drops in deep cold and snow.
- Winter (❄ Three-Peak Mountain Snowflake): Softer rubber stays grippy below ~45°F; best on snow/ice.
- All-weather: Hybrid option carrying the ❄ rating—better winter grip than all-season without a seasonal swap.
Flats & Repairs: Patch or Replace?
Professional plug-patch repairs in the tread area are often safe. Sidewall or shoulder damage, large holes, or multiple close punctures usually mean replacement.
- Safe to repair: Single nail/screw in the center tread, hole ≤ 1/4″, enough remaining tread.
- Replace: Sidewall/shoulder damage, cuts, bulges, belt/cord exposure, or previous quick plug only.
Load & Speed Ratings (What the Letters Mean)
Match or exceed the factory ratings on your door sticker.
| Marking | Meaning | Tip |
|---|---|---|
| 225/60R16 98H | 98 = load index; H = speed rating | Stay at or above OEM specs |
| XL / SL | Extra Load / Standard Load | XL supports higher PSI/load |
| M+S / 3PMSF | Mud & Snow / Winter-certified | 3PMSF = true winter performance |
Storage: Keep Rubber Young
- Store in a cool, dry, dark place—away from motors or ozone sources.
- Bag each tire to reduce oxygen exposure; lay flat if unmounted, vertical if on wheels.
- Clean and fully dry before storage.
Warning Signs (Don’t Ignore These)
FAQs
How often should I rotate my tires?
Every 5,000–7,000 miles, or every other oil change. AWD vehicles benefit from consistent rotation to keep wear even.
What PSI should I use?
Use the driver’s door-jamb sticker (front/rear). The sidewall number is a maximum, not your target.
Do I need winter tires?
If you regularly see snow/ice or temps below ~45°F, winter tires provide much better cold-weather grip than all-season.
Is a plug good enough?
Emergency plugs can get you home, but a plug-patch from inside the tire is the proper repair for punctures in the tread area.
How old is too old?
Tires age from heat/UV/ozone. Many manufacturers suggest inspection after 6 years and replacement around 6–10 years regardless of tread.