Small checks. Useful habits.
Tire pressure, tread depth, and everyday care
Know where to find the right pressure, how to check wear, and when a tire needs a professional inspection.
Check pressure monthly, with the tires cold
Use a gauge at least once a month, including the spare if equipped. Cold means the vehicle has not been driven for at least three hours. Compare each reading with the vehicle placard or owner’s manual; front and rear recommendations can differ. The sidewall maximum is not your daily target. TPMS warns of significant underinflation but does not replace these checks.
Measure tread depth and inspect for damage
Use a tread-depth gauge in the main grooves at several points across and around each tire. Raised wear bars sit across the grooves; when the tread is level with them, it has reached 2/32 inch and needs replacement. Damage or reduced wet-weather performance may call for replacement sooner. Inspect for cuts, bulges, cracks, and uneven wear as well as remaining depth.
Rotation, alignment, and balancing do different jobs
Rotation moves tires between approved positions to help spread wear. Alignment adjusts wheel angles through the suspension. Balancing corrects uneven weight in a tire-and-wheel assembly to reduce vibration. One service does not replace the others. Follow your vehicle and tire-maker schedule: directional tires or different front and rear sizes can restrict rotation patterns. Keep service records for warranty requirements.
Read the date code, and watch for changes
The last four digits of the DOT tire identification number show manufacturing week and year: 3524 means week 35 of 2024. The complete code may be on only one sidewall. Age, damage, or deterioration can require replacement even with tread left. Follow the vehicle and tire maker’s age limits rather than assuming one lifespan applies to every tire.
When to ask a tire professional
Have repeated pressure loss, new vibration, pulling, or unusual wear inspected. These symptoms can have several causes, so adding air or rotating tires may not solve the underlying issue. A punctured tire needs to be removed from the wheel for an internal and external inspection before repairability can be decided; not every puncture or tire can be repaired.
Your quick reference
| Check | Where to start | Next action |
|---|---|---|
| Pressure | Vehicle placard and a cold-tire gauge reading | Follow the vehicle recommendation |
| Tread | Depth gauge and wear bars | Replace at 2/32 inch or sooner if needed |
| Condition | Tread and both sidewalls | Have damage or unusual wear inspected |
| Rotation | Owner’s manual and tire instructions | Keep a service record |
Common questions
Should I use the pressure printed on the tire?
Use the vehicle’s recommended cold pressure from its placard or owner’s manual for the approved setup. The maximum pressure molded on the sidewall is not your everyday inflation target.
Do tires only need replacing when the tread wears out?
No. Damage, age, cracking, uneven wear, and other condition issues can require replacement earlier. Have a tire inspected if you notice damage, vibration, or recurring pressure loss.
How often should I rotate my tires?
Use the interval and pattern specified by the vehicle and tire manufacturer, and check your warranty’s maintenance requirements. There is no single interval or pattern that fits every vehicle, especially with directional tires or staggered sizes.
Remember
The pressure on the vehicle placard is your starting point—not the maximum molded into the sidewall.
Sources & further reading
- NHTSA: TireWise tire care and safety ↗ (opens in a new tab)
- Michelin: alignment and balancing explained ↗ (opens in a new tab)
- Michelin: rotation patterns and restrictions ↗ (opens in a new tab)
- Just Tires: maintenance and professional repair inspection ↗ (opens in a new tab)
Use this guide to understand the terminology. Follow your vehicle’s owner’s manual, tire placard, and the tire manufacturer’s instructions for your exact application.