New tires should last up to six years, depending on their manufacturer, but their life span can be cut short if you don’t care for them properly. If you want to avoid replacing your tires prematurely, practice these auto maintenance do’s and don’ts.

Do:

Inspect your tires often.

Inspect all four tires once a month. When you stop for gas or wash your car, check the tire pressure to make sure it meets the specifications for your vehicle. Underinflated tires make vehicle handling more difficult, cause premature tread wear, and lower gas mileage.

Also, check for cracks, low tread, and bulges, all of which indicate repairs or replacement are needed.

Rotate & align your tires. 

Most manufacturers recommend rotating tires every 6,000 to 8,000 miles to maintain even tread wear. Failure to do so can make driving more difficult, and you’ll likely need new tires sooner. Not rotating tires on a front-wheel-drive vehicle, for example, will wear down the tread in the front faster than in the rear.

Have an alignment done at least twice a year. Misalignments also create uneven tread wear.

Don’t:

Mismatch your tires.

If you get a puncture in a tire and replace it, the other three will have less tread than the new one. This can make handling the car difficult, especially in wet conditions, and lead to uneven tread on all tires.

Try to replace all four tires at once. If only one needs replacing, change out two and move them to the rear, which will help prevent spinouts in rainy conditions. 

Wait too long to replace worn tires.

If any tire’s tread depth is at or below the tread wear bar, start planning for new wheels as soon as possible. Driving when tires have low tread can be dangerous since they’re more susceptible to punctures and blowouts.

You can also use a penny to check tread wear by inserting it head down. If the top of Lincoln’s head is visible, new tires are needed.

If you need new tires or other routine auto maintenance, find expert assistance at Chung's Alignment & Auto Services. For almost 20 years, this family-owned auto repair shop has helped drivers throughout Honolulu. Call (808) 744-8692 to schedule an appointment, or visit them online to learn more about their auto maintenance services.