Most tires will need to be replaced every 25,000 to 50,000 miles. Exactly how long it will take them to wear out depends on how well you care for them. To save money on new tires, as well as maximizing the performance of the set you already have, follow these tire repair and maintenance guidelines.

Do:

Rotate your tires.

As you drive, different parts of each wheel are exposed to different degrees of wear. In a front-wheel drive car, the front tires wear out faster than the back, and the inner and outer rims of each tire also wear at different speeds. To get the most use out of each tire and buy new tires less often, rotate them regularly — left to right and front to back.

Check your tire pressure.

Every car has a different recommended tire pressure, which you can find in your owner's manual or inside the driver’s side door. Stay as close to that pressure as possible throughout the year. Check your tires every month, waiting until your car has cooled after driving for the most accurate readings. Temperature affects tire pressure, so check them more frequently should the weather change significantly.

Don't:

Drive on bald tires.

Your car's tire treads should be at least 2/32 of an inch thick. Check the depth by inserting the edge of a penny between the treads; if you can see Lincoln's head, the tires are worn out. Don't put off your trip to the tire store; any money you may save by waiting to buy new tires will be spent on poorer fuel efficiency because your tires won't grip the road as intended.

Drive recklessly.

Sudden starts, sharp turns, and screeching stops wear your tires out faster. Turn and accelerate as smoothly as you can at all times. Also, avoid scraping sidewalls against curbs or bollards; this can damage the rubber and cause weak spots and leaks.

Even with the best care, you'll need new tires eventually, so drop by Tire Warehouse Kauai in Lihue, HI. For 45 years, they've offered competitive pricing on quality products to customers across the island. Their products include Goodyear®, Michelin®, BF Goodrich®, and Dunlop® tires. For questions, call (808) 245-6754 or send a message online.