Tires are the only part of the car that touches the road. Checking them takes five minutes and prevents most tire problems.
In this article
- Pressure
- Rotation
- Tread depth
Pressure
Use the figure on the door-jamb sticker, not the number on the tire. Check it monthly when the tires are cold.
| Tread depth | Condition | Action |
|---|---|---|
| 10/32 in | New | None |
| 6/32 in | Half worn | Monitor |
| 4/32 in | Wet-weather limit | Plan to replace |
| 2/32 in | Legal minimum | Replace now |
Intervals and costs are typical ranges. Your owner’s manual comes first.
Rotation
Rotating tires every 5,000 to 7,500 miles evens out wear. Follow the pattern in the manual.
A tire does the work of the whole car.
Tread depth
New tires have about 10/32 inch of tread. Replace them at 4/32 inch if you drive in rain or snow, and never go below 2/32 inch.
Do it in this order
- Check pressure monthly
- Rotate on schedule
- Test tread with a coin
- Look for bulges and cracks
Practical tip
Insert a quarter into the groove upside down. If you can see all of Washington’s head, the tread is below 4/32 inch.
Bottom line
Pressure, rotation and tread checks are a ten-minute habit worth keeping.
Specifications, prices and rules change. Confirm current details with the manufacturer or the relevant authority before you buy or repair.
