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A first car comes with a first set of chores. Checking your tires is one of the cheapest and most important. Everything below comes from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's TireWise guide (NHTSA, Tires).
Why it matters
NHTSA counts 511 people killed on U.S. roads in tire-related crashes in 2024. It says poor maintenance, "not having enough air in your tires and failing to rotate your tires," can lead to a flat, a blowout or tread coming off the tire. It's also a money question. NHTSA says proper inflation can save as much as 11 cents per gallon of fuel and can add an average of 4,700 miles to a tire's life. It also reports that only 19% of consumers properly inflate their tires (NHTSA).
Step by step: tire pressure
NHTSA calls proper tire pressure "the most important part of maintaining your tires." Check it at least once a month, including the spare, when the tires are "cold," meaning the car hasn't been driven for at least three hours (NHTSA). The steps:
- Find your number. The recommended pressure is on the Tire and Loading Information label on the driver's side door edge or post, or in the owner's manual. NHTSA stresses that the correct pressure is what the vehicle maker lists, "NOT what is listed on the tire itself."
- Measure every tire with a gauge, including the spare. NHTSA suggests keeping a gauge in the car.
- Too high? Let air out slowly by pressing the valve stem with the edge of the gauge until you reach the correct pressure.
- Too low? Note how many pounds you're short and add that much air at a service station.
- Recheck all four. Make sure they match, unless your front and rear tires are meant to be different.
If you've been driving and think a tire is low, NHTSA says to fill it to the recommended cold pressure anyway and recheck later. It's safer to be slightly under than "significantly underinflated."
The warning light isn't a gauge
Passenger cars, light trucks and vans from model year 2008 on must have a Tire Pressure Monitoring System. Its dashboard light comes on only when at least one tire is "significantly underinflated," so NHTSA still recommends a monthly check with a gauge. A light that flashes for 60 to 90 seconds and then stays on signals a system malfunction, and NHTSA says to have the dealer inspect it (NHTSA).
Tread: the penny test
Tires "are not safe and should be replaced" when tread is worn to 2/32 of an inch. Check tread monthly along with pressure. Tires have raised treadwear indicators between the treads. When the tread is level with them, it's time for new tires. Or put a penny in the tread with Lincoln's head upside down and facing you. If you can see the top of his head, replace the tire (NHTSA).
Age counts in Florida
Rubber ages even on a tire with good tread. NHTSA says sunlight and warmer climates add to tire aging, a bigger concern "in the more southern parts of the Sun Belt states." Some vehicle and tire makers recommend replacing tires that are six to 10 years old regardless of tread. The last four digits of the DOT Tire Identification Number on the sidewall give the week and year a tire was made, so "0308" means the third week of 2008 (NHTSA).
If a tire blows out
NHTSA's advice is not to panic. Slamming the brakes or abruptly lifting off the gas can cost you control. Hold the wheel with both hands, keep your speed if it's safe, then gradually release the accelerator. Steer where you want to go, and once the car is stable, slow down and pull off when it's safe (NHTSA).
Our advice
- Pair it with something you already do. Check your tires on the first Saturday of the month, or every time you fill up on a cool morning.
- Buy a gauge. A simple one is a cheap safety tool, and NHTSA recommends keeping one in the car.
- Ask about rotation. NHTSA says to follow your owner's manual. Where the maker recommends it, rotate every 5,000 to 8,000 miles.
Sources: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, Tire Safety Ratings and Awareness (TireWise).
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