9 Tips to Get the Most Miles Out of Your Tires (and Your Car)

Tires aren’t cheap, but the right care and habits can help you squeeze more miles out of them safely. Whether you’re commuting daily or taking the occasional road trip, your tires are the foundation of your car’s performance and safety. Yet, far too many drivers replace tires sooner than they need to. And if you haven’t noticed, a set of 4 tires can cost well over $1,000 these days.

Here’s the good news: with just a little regular maintenance and a few smart habits, you can extend the life of your tires and your car. Let’s break it down.

1. Check Tire Pressure Monthly

• Why it matters: Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance and wear out faster on the shoulders; overinflated tires wear down the center. Temperature fluctuations
  
• Tip: Follow your vehicle’s recommended PSI found in the driver’s door jamb, and add or release air as needed. The PSI number on the tire sidewall is the maximum pressure the tire can handle, so don’t go by this number.

2. Rotate Tires Regularly

• Why it matters: Tire wear is rarely even across all four tires. Front tires tend to wear faster, especially on front-wheel-drive vehicles.
  
• Tip: Rotate tires every 5,000 to 8,000 miles or with every oil change for even tread wear. This is especially important for vehicles with all-wheel drive, and cars with a lot of torque (like EVs).

3. Get a Wheel Alignment Annually

• Why it matters: Misalignment causes uneven wear and poor handling. Even a slight misalignment can dramatically shorten tire life.
  
• Tip: If your car pulls to one side, or your steering wheel isn’t centered when driving straight, get it checked ASAP. Dealership service centers and independent auto shops often offer coupons for discounted pricing on wheel alignments.

4. Balance Tires When Needed

• Why it matters: Unbalanced tires can cause vibrations, uneven tread wear, and strain on your suspension.
  
• Tip: Rebalance your tires whenever you notice vibration at highway speeds or after installing new tires.

5. Drive Smoothly

• Why it matters: Aggressive starts, hard braking, and sharp turns all accelerate tread wear.
  
• Tip: Ease into acceleration, brake gradually, and avoid cornering at high speeds when possible.

6. Inspect Tread Depth and Look for Uneven Wear

• Why it matters: Uneven wear can signal suspension issues or improper inflation, and worn tread reduces traction.
  
• Tip: Use a penny or tread gauge. If Lincoln’s head is fully visible, it’s time for new tires. If you live in a region with plenty of precipitation, you may want to replace your tires a bit sooner.

7. Avoid Overloading Your Car

• Why it matters: Extra weight increases heat and stress on your tires, causing premature wear or blowouts.
  
• Tip: Check your vehicle’s Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) and don’t exceed it. Truck owners are most likely to get anywhere close to weight limits. 

8. Store Seasonally If You Use Winter or Summer Tires

• Why it matters: Off-season conditions can degrade rubber. Summer tires crack in cold; winter tires wear quickly in heat.
  
• Tip: Store tires in a cool, dry place away from sunlight. Use tire bags or covers if possible.

9. Replace Aging Tires, Even If Tread Looks Fine

• Why it matters: Tire rubber breaks down over time. Even if unused, most manufacturers recommend replacing tires every 6–10 years.
  
• Tip: Check the DOT code on the tire for the manufacture date (e.g., “1520” = 15th week of 2020).
  

Final Thoughts: A Little Maintenance Goes a Long Way

Getting more life out of your tires means more money in your pocket, and a safer ride. It’s about consistency, not complexity. A few extra minutes each month checking pressure or rotating tires with your oil change can make a real difference.

Want to go the extra mile? Use the CarEdge Garage to stay on top of tire maintenance, track your car’s value daily, and never miss a service again. It’s free, and it’s the easiest way to make smarter decisions about your car.