Tires don’t always get the love they deserve. Unless they’re flat or squealing, most of us don’t think twice about them, but giving your tires a little attention can seriously extend their life, boost your fuel efficiency, and save you from an expensive replacement too soon. So, if you want your tires to go the extra mile (literally), here are eight tips that’ll keep them rolling strong.
1. Check your tire pressure
Driving on tires that are even a few PSI off from their recommended pressure can cause uneven wear and reduce fuel efficiency. Cold weather can cause tire pressure to drop, while heat can cause it to rise. Underinflated tires tend to wear on the edges, while overinflated ones wear down the center.
Check your tire pressure at least once a month, especially when the seasons change. Find the correct PSI for your vehicle on the inside of the driver’s door or in your owner’s manual. If you notice your tire pressure is off, you can easily and cheaply fill up your tires at most gas stations.
2. Rotate your tires often
Tire rotation helps your tires wear evenly, which boosts performance, safety, and lifespan. Front tires typically wear faster due to braking and steering, especially on front-wheel-drive vehicles. By rotating them every 8,000 to 12,000 kilometres (or more often if you drive in icy, potholed conditions or carry heavy loads), you can extend your tire lifespan by up to 20%.
Don’t want to wait at the shop to get your tire rotation done? Book your mobile tire rotation in Edmonton. During our service, we’ll also check tire pressure, inspect for wear and damage, and make any maintenance recommendations.
3. Keep an eye on your wheel alignment
If you notice your car drifting slightly to one side or your steering wheel pulling when you’re driving straight, that’s a sign to get your wheel alignment checked. You or your tire technician might notice uneven tire wear, indicating alignment issues. You’ll also want to check your alignment after hitting a pothole, curb, or if you’ve recently replaced suspension parts. A properly aligned car feels better to drive and prevents your tires from wearing out too quickly.
4. Don’t forget about balancing
Balancing isn’t the same as alignment, and it’s just as important. When your tires are out of balance, you’ll feel vibrations (especially at higher speeds), which puts stress not only on the tires but also on your suspension system. Get your tires balanced, whenever you get new tires (this is included on our new tire installation) or start noticing a vibration, especially in the steering wheel.
5. Drive your vehicle like your tires matter
Fast starts, hard braking, and sharp turns wear out your tires faster. Smooth, steady acceleration and braking make a huge difference. Also, as much as you can, avoid hitting curbs and potholes (challenging but important in Edmonton) and reduce speed on rough roads. Your tires will last longer, your gas mileage will improve, and your passengers will thank you.
6. Don’t overpack your car
The next time you’re packing for a road trip or move, check your maximum load rating. It’s usually printed on the inside of the driver’s door or in your owner’s manual. Exceeding that puts your tires under serious stress, which can lead to early tire failure—or worse, a blowout.
7. Book your seasonal tire changes
Proper seasonal changes prevent premature wear on specialized tires. Switch to winter tires before temperatures consistently drop below 7°C. Remove winter tires when spring temperatures remain above 7°C.
When to replace your tires
Even with perfect maintenance, tires eventually need replacement. Look for:
- Tread worn to 4/32″ or less (2/32″ is the legal minimum). You can check by placing a toonie in the tire grooves. If the silver part of the toonie is completely covered, your tread is good. If the silver is partly showing, your tread is getting low — time to start thinking about replacing. If you can see the whole silver edge, your tread is worn out — you should replace the tire now.
- Visible damage or bulges
- Cracks in the sidewall
- Excessive vibration that cannot be corrected
- Tires older than 6 years, regardless of tread depth
Tire maintenance in Edmonton, made easy
Don’t wait for tire issues to show up to maintain your vehicle. Regular tire rotation is the easiest way to extend tire life, improve safety, and protect your investment, especially on Edmonton roads. At Shire Tire, we make tire maintenance simple, smart, and stress-free. Our tire change service and mobile tire rotation in Edmonton bring professional-grade equipment and certified technicians right to your driveway or workplace. You can book your next tire service here.