DIY Basic Tire Care

Your tires are the only part of your car that touches the road — they affect your safety, gas mileage, ride comfort, and wallet. Regular tire checks can save you from blowouts, hydroplaning, and uneven wear that costs you money.

Here’s what you can check in your own driveway in less than 5 minutes:

• Tread Depth: Use a penny or tread gauge
   
• Cracks or Dry Rot: Look for small cracks in the sidewall – heat and age cause this.
   
• Wavy Treads / Feathering: Can mean bad alignment or worn suspension.
   
• Cupping / Uneven Wear: Usually means bad shocks or tires out of balance.
   
• Bubbles or Blisters: Dangerous — replace the tire ASAP.
   
• Objects Stuck in Tread: Nails, screws, glass — don’t ignore them!
   

Pro Tip: Check all 4 tires — they wear differently depending on their position.

Rotating your tires every 5,000 to 7,500 miles helps them last longer and wear evenly.

• Jack and Jack Stands (Safe & Stable Set)
   
• Torque Wrench (Essential for Tightening)
   
• Impact Wrench or Lug Wrench (Time Saver)
   

Front-Wheel Drive:

• Move front tires to the back
   
• Cross the rear tires to the front
   

Rear-Wheel Drive / AWD:

• Move rear tires to the front
   
• Cross the front tires to the back
   

• Most sedans & small SUVs: 80–100 ft-lbs
   
• Always check your owner’s manual or look up your torque spec here
   

• New tires: 10/32" to 12/32"
   
• Replace at: 2/32" or less (legal minimum in most states)
   

• Insert Lincoln's head into the tread
   
• If you see his whole head, your tires are worn out
   

Every tire comes labeled with UTQG ratings:

Grade Meaning Treadwear (e.g., 400)Higher number = longer life Traction (AA, A, B, C)AA is best for wet stopping Temperature (A, B, C)A resists heat the best 

Everyday Tip: Look for 400+ treadwear, Traction A or AA, and Temperature A for daily driving.

Replace your tires when:

• Tread is below 2/32"
   
• Sidewalls are cracked or blistered
   
• Vibration or wobble while driving
   
• Uneven wear or noise
   
• They're over 6 years old, even with good tread (check the DOT date)

Inspecting your tires monthly, rotating them on schedule, and replacing them when needed keeps you safer and saves you money. With just a few affordable tools, you can handle this like a pro — no mechanic degree required.

 Whether you’re running errands or heading to work, your tires deserve a few minutes of your time. It's one of the easiest ways to protect yourself, your passengers, and your wallet.

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Stay dirty, stay safe.

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Legendary for 80,000+ mile tread life and comfort.

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