Posted on by AAA Ohio

Your Tire Maintenance Checklist

Tire maintenance is simple yet important. A good habit to build is to take five minutes every month to check your tires, including the spare. If properly cared for, tires can last a long time — usually from 40,000 to 80,000 miles.

Check your tire pressures

at least once a month and keep all four tires inflated to the vehicle manufacturer’s specifications. This information can be found in the owner’s manual or on the driver’s door jamb.

Rotate the tires

at your automaker’s recommended interval—generally every 6,000 to 7,500 miles—and in the recommended pattern. This will help equalize wear and prevent significant circumference variations.


Fit 4WD and AWD vehicles with matching tires

so that all four tires are the same brand, model and size, and have the same degree of wear. If you are installing anything less than a full set of new tires, always consult the owner’s manual, a qualified tire installer or a dealership to make sure any size variations will not create problems down the road.

Finally, follow the PART acronym to make sure your tires are safe, efficient and in good repair.

 1. Pressure
Over- and underinflation are the leading causes of tire failure. Check the inside of your car’s driver door for proper pressure.

 2. Alignment
A bad jolt from hitting a curb or pothole can throw your front end out of alignment and damage your tires. Have a repair shop check the alignment periodically.

 3. Rotation
Next, regularly rotating your vehicle’s tires will help you achieve more uniform wear. Unless your vehicle’s owner’s manual has a specific recommendation, the guideline for tire rotation is approximately every 6,000 miles.

 4. Tread
Advanced wear can keep tires from gripping the road. Visually check your tires for uneven wear, looking for high and low spots, unusually smooth areas, or damage.

Whether you need routine service or a full set of new tires, AAA Car Care Plus facilities are conveniently located throughout Columbus to meet your needs. Learn more, shop tires and schedule an appointment at AAA.com/CarCare.