Are you making a New Year’s Resolution to take better care of yourself? Consider also making a resolution to take better care of your tires! 

Here are some simple ideas that will help your tires perform better and last longer. Additional benefits you will enjoy include better gas mileage and greater safety on the road.

Check Your Tire Tread 

Follow three simple steps to check your tire tread depth on a regular basis:

1. Hold a penny so that “In God We Trust” appears across the top. Insert it into five different sections of the tire, taking note of the visibility of Lincoln’s head.
2. If you can consistently see the top of Lincoln’s head, your treads are excessively worn, and it is time to go shopping for a new set of tires.
3. If the top of Lincoln’s head (to about the forehead hairline) is covered throughout the tread grooves, the tread is in good shape and your tires probably do not need replacement.

Keep an Eye on Your Tire Pressure

Check your tire pressure at least once a month.  While it doesn’t take long to do, it could save you big by improving your tire life and gas mileage. Refer to your owner’s manual to confirm the ideal pressure for your vehicle’s tires. Keep in mind that the maximum pressure is not the same as the recommended pressure.

Get Tire Alignment Service

Improper tire alignment will not only decrease the life of your tires due to uneven tread wear, it will also compromise the safety of your vehicle. Have the alignment checked regularly, and also any time you notice problems with your vehicle’s handling.

Have Your Tires Rotated

Having tire rotation done on a regular basis is a tire maintenance service that will significantly extend tire service life. Refer to your owner’s manual to see the specific tire rotation recommendations for your make and model.

Have Tire Balancing Done 

Tire balancing should be part of your regular maintenance routine. Check your owner’s manual for the recommended schedule, but tire balancing is typically done with tire rotation. Tire balancing promotes a smooth ride and even tread wear by correctly adjusting the wheel weight distribution around the vehicle.

Check on Your Spare Tire 

It is important to monitor the condition of your spare tire so you can be confident it will be ready when you need it. Check the pressure of your spare with your other tires. If you do have to use your spare, remember that it is intended for temporary use only, and replace it with a regular tire as soon as you can.