The most common check is the penny test: insert a penny into the tread groove with Lincoln's head pointing down. If you can see the top of his head, tread depth has fallen below 2/32 of an inch and the tire should be replaced. Many tires also have molded wear bars in the grooves that become flush with the tread surface at that threshold. Cracking or bulging on the sidewall, vibrations at highway speeds, and persistent slow leaks in an otherwise undamaged tire are additional reasons to consider replacement regardless of tread depth.
Tire rotation is recommended every 5,000 to 7,500 miles, or roughly with every other oil change. Front tires on front-wheel-drive vehicles wear faster because they handle both steering and power delivery, while rear tires carry more load on rear-wheel-drive vehicles. Rotating the tires redistributes wear more evenly across all four, which extends overall tire life and helps maintain balanced handling. Many tire warranties require documented rotation records to remain valid.
The correct tire pressure for your vehicle is listed on a sticker inside the driver's door jamb or in your owner's manual, and is specific to your vehicle rather than the maximum pressure listed on the tire sidewall. Tire pressure should be checked monthly and before long trips, and always when the tires are cold since pressure reads higher after driving. Underinflated tires wear on the outer edges and reduce fuel economy. Overinflated tires wear down the center and reduce traction. Both conditions create handling and safety risks.
Many punctures can be repaired successfully, but the location and size of the damage determine whether repair is safe. A puncture in the central three-quarters of the tread that is no larger than 1/4 inch in diameter can typically be repaired with an internal patch. Damage to the sidewall or shoulder, multiple punctures close together, or a tire that has been driven on while flat cannot be safely repaired and requires replacement. We follow industry safety standards to evaluate every puncture and give you an honest recommendation on repair versus replacement.
