10 Expert Tips to Maintain All-Season Tires for Longer Wear
Properly maintaining all-season tires is essential for extending their lifespan, saving money, and ensuring road safety.
Discover expert tips to maximize your tires’ life, enhance performance, and drive with confidence. Whether you’re a vehicle owner, a commuter, or a budget-conscious individual, these tips are designed to accommodate your needs.
From choosing quality tires to monitoring tire wear, we’ve got you covered.
Learn how to drive carefully to minimize wear, protect tires from damage, and maintain optimal tire pressure.
Plus, find out how regular inspections and proper storage can contribute to longer-lasting tires.
In this guide, we share essential tips for maintaining all-season tires, helping you save time and money while enjoying a safer driving experience.
1 Choose quality tires
When purchasing all-season tires, opt for high-quality ones suitable for your vehicle and driving needs.
Look for tires with a good tread pattern, traction capabilities, and longevity. Investing in quality tires upfront will contribute to longer tire life and better overall performance.
You can check our favorite A/S tires for Subaru Outback here.
2 Inspect for imperfections
Before installation, carefully inspect the tires for any imperfections, bulges, or cuts. Avoid installing damaged tires as they may lead to premature wear or even tire failure.
Regular inspections ensure that your tires are in optimal condition and ready to perform safely.
3 Replace worn tires
It’s essential to replace all worn tires simultaneously or, at the very least, the rear tires for better handling and stability.
Mixing new and worn tires can affect the vehicle’s balance and traction, compromising your safety on the road.
When it’s time to replace your tires, consult with a professional to ensure you choose the right ones for your vehicle.
4 Drive carefully
I mean, it’s only given. Safe driving practices play a significant role in tire longevity.
Avoid harsh acceleration, sudden braking, and aggressive cornering, as these actions can cause excessive tire wear.
By driving responsibly, you minimize stress on your tires and extend their lifespan.
5 Protect from damage
Minimize exposure to road hazards and maintain a safe distance from curbs, potholes, and debris.
Avoid hitting obstacles that could cause punctures, cuts, or sidewall damage. By being cautious and attentive while driving, you protect your tires from unnecessary damage and ensure their longevity.
6 Maintain proper tire pressure
One of the most important aspects of tire maintenance is maintaining the proper tire pressure. Properly inflated tires not only improve fuel efficiency but also enhance safety and tire longevity.
Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance, leading to uneven wear and reduced fuel efficiency.
On the other hand, overinflated tires can result in a harsh ride and a smaller contact patch, affecting traction and handling.
To check your tire pressure, grab a tire pressure gauge and remove the valve cap from the tire. Press the gauge onto the valve stem firmly and note the pressure reading.
Compare it to the recommended tire pressure specified by your vehicle manufacturer, which is usually found on a sticker inside the driver’s door jamb or in the owner’s manual.
If the pressure is too low, add air, and if it’s too high, release some air until you reach the correct pressure.
7 Monitor tire wear
Keep an eye on the tread depth and wear patterns of your tires. Use the penny test or a tread depth gauge to check the depth.
Insert a penny into the tire tread with Lincoln’s head facing down. If you can see the top of Lincoln’s head, it’s time to replace the tires.
Additionally, inspect for any uneven wear patterns, exposed steel belts, nails, screws, cuts, or cracks in the sidewalls. If you notice any of these issues, have your tires inspected by a professional.
8 Wheel alignment and rotation
Get your wheels aligned annually or whenever you notice irregular tire wear. Proper wheel alignment ensures even tire wear and extends the life of your tires. Additionally, rotate the tires every 5,000 to 7,500 miles or as recommended by the vehicle manufacturer.
Rotating the tires promotes even tread wear and helps maximize their lifespan.
9 Tire balancing
Balanced tires contribute to a smoother ride, better handling, and increased tire life. When your tires are balanced, weight imbalances are eliminated, preventing vibrations and unnecessary stress on the tires and suspension components.
If you notice vibrations in the steering wheel or the vehicle’s body, especially at higher speeds, it’s time to have your tires balanced by a professional.
10 Proper tire storage
When it’s time to store your all-season tires during the off-season, proper storage is crucial to maintaining their integrity.
Clean the tires thoroughly and remove any debris. Store them in a cool, dry location away from direct sunlight and heat sources, as these can degrade the rubber compound.
You can store them upright or stack them horizontally, but avoid hanging them.
Consider using tire storage racks or investing in tire storage bags to protect them from dust and moisture.
Vroom vroom!
By incorporating these essential tips into your tire maintenance routine, you can ensure your all-season tires last longer and provide optimal performance throughout their lifespan. Remember to choose quality tires, inspect them regularly, drive carefully, maintain proper tire pressure, monitor wear patterns, align and rotate your tires, balance them when needed, and store them properly during off-seasons. If you plan to buy a new set of A/S tires then you might want to first weigh its pros and cons.
