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The tires on your car can make or break your driving experience. A good set of properly inflated tires is the key to good fuel efficiency, safe stopping distances, good traction on the road, and a strong performance for your car.
What goes into a good set of tires? You’re about to learn the answer to that question and much more. We put together some helpful tips and tests to keep your tires spinning forever!
Penny Test
The penny test is a quick way to estimate whether your tread is getting too low. If you can see the top of Lincoln’s head, your tread may be at or below the point where the tire should be replaced. It’s also smart to check multiple grooves across the tire and look for the built-in treadwear indicators inside the tread.
Grab the penny so Abe is facing you, upside down (the top of his head is pointing towards the ground). Insert the penny into the tread of your car and look at the penny. Is the rubber of your tire covering any of Abe’s head? If so, then your tires are healthy.
If you can see all of Abe’s head, then you don’t have enough tread on your car. It’s time to replace your tires, and if the wear looks uneven, have the alignment or suspension inspected.
How does this test work? Your treads need a certain thickness of the rubber to be efficient. Use a penny test to measure the thickness of the rubber you have.
Check the Pressure
Check your tire pressure at least once a month and before long trips. For the most accurate reading, check the tires when they are cold, ideally after the car has been parked for at least three hours.
Some vehicles show tire-pressure information on the dashboard or warn you through the TPMS light, but you should still confirm pressure with a tire gauge.
To find the correct PSI, look at the tire and loading label on the driver’s door jamb or check the owner’s manual. Do not use the maximum pressure printed on the tire sidewall as your target pressure.
You don’t want too much or too little air pressure in your tires – either option will result in worse performance from your car.
Rhino USA Heavy Duty Tire Pressure Gauge (0-60 PSI) – Certified ANSI B40.1 Accurate, Large 2 in.
Tire Rotation
Tire rotation helps the tires wear more evenly and can improve tire life, fuel efficiency, and consistency in how the vehicle drives. Follow the interval and pattern in your owner’s manual, but many vehicles are rotated about every 5,000 to 8,000 miles.
Rotation patterns depend on drivetrain and tire design. If your vehicle has directional tires or different-size front and rear tires, rotation options may be limited.
Rotating your tires ensures even wear across the tires. Having uneven wear can result in your car swerving and further wearing your tires unevenly.
Front-Wheel Drive
This process is specific to FWD cars, make sure you do so carefully:
- The Front left goes to the rear left
- The rear left goes to the front right
- The front right goes to the rear right
- The rear right goes to the front left
Rear and Four-Wheel Drive
Again, this process can only be done on RWD or 4WD (or AWD) cars.
- The front left goes to the rear right
- The rear right goes to the front right
- The front right goes to the rear left
- The rear left goes to the front left
Directional Tires
Directional tires are designed to rotate in one direction only. These tires should stay on the same side of the vehicle and usually rotate front to rear only.
In other words, go to the driver’s side of your car and swap the front and rear tires. Do the same for the passenger’s side.
Repairing a Puncture
What if your tire gets punctured or goes flat? Some punctures can be repaired, but not every tire can be safely saved. In general, a puncture may be repairable only if it is in the center tread area and no larger than 1/4 inch in diameter.
A proper repair requires the tire to be removed from the wheel and inspected from the inside. Industry guidance does not consider a plug by itself to be an acceptable permanent repair. Damage in the sidewall or shoulder usually means the tire should be replaced.
Keep in mind, not all punctures can be repaired. You cannot repair a puncture if:
- The puncture is larger than 1/4 inch
- The damage is in the shoulder or sidewall
- The tire has overlapping repairs or damage directly across from another repair
- The tire is already worn down to the treadwear indicators, or about 2/32 inch of tread remaining
In these cases, you’ll need to opt for a replacement.
Spend More to Get More
When shopping for new tires, the goal is not just to spend more — it’s to buy the right tire for your vehicle, climate, and driving habits. Check the correct size on the driver’s door label or in the owner’s manual, and compare factors like treadwear, traction, and temperature grades. The cheapest option is not always the best long-term value.
Simple Habits for Healthier Tires
Keeping your tires in good shape does not have to be complicated. If you regularly check tread depth, monitor tire pressure, rotate your tires on schedule, and address punctures the right way, your vehicle will be safer and your tires will last longer. For beginners, small habits like these can make a big difference in everyday driving.
