Tire maintenance and safety: How to check tire pressure, tread and wear

Check tread depth in several places across each tire, including the inner, center and outer grooves. A tread-depth gauge provides the clearest measurement. You can also look at the built-in treadwear bars or insert a penny with Lincoln’s head upside down into several tread grooves. If the top of Lincoln’s head is visible, or the tread is level with the wear bars, the tire has reached approximately 2/32 of an inch and the tire should be replaced.

Also look for exposed cords, bulges, serious sidewall damage or a tire that loses pressure quickly. If you notice any of these signs, don’t keep driving on the tire. Have it checked by a tire professional and arrange for a tow if the vehicle can’t be driven safely.

Uneven tire wear can have several causes, including tire pressure, alignment, balance or suspension issues. Rotating your tires may help promote more even wear. Follow your vehicle manufacturer’s recommendations for tire rotation and maintenance.

How to check tire pressure

Proper tire pressure can help support traction, handling, tire life and fuel efficiency. Check tire pressure at least once a month and before long trips. For the most accurate reading, check tires when they are cold. To check your tire pressure:

1. Find the recommended pressure. Find the vehicle manufacturer’s recommended cold tire pressure on the Tire and Loading Information label, usually on the driver-side door edge or door jamb, or in the owner’s manual. Front and rear pressures may differ. Do not use the maximum pressure molded into the tire sidewall as the vehicle’s recommended target.
2. Check the pressure before driving. You can also check it after driving but wait at least 3 hours for the air in the tire to cool off. Do not release air from a warm tire merely to bring it down to the cold-pressure specification; recheck it when cold.
3. Use a tire pressure gauge. Remove the cap from the tire’s air valve, then press the gauge firmly onto the valve stem.
4. Compare the reading with the recommended PSI. Add or release air as needed, then check the pressure again. Remember, the front and rear PSI recommendations may differ on some vehicles.
5. Check every tire. Include the spare tire if your vehicle has one. Compact or temporary spare tires may require a different pressure.

A tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) can alert you when tire pressure is low, but it doesn’t replace regular tire checks. A TPMS warning ordinarily indicates significant underinflation; it is not a precision pressure gauge.

Cold weather can also cause tire pressure to drop. If your TPMS light comes on, check each tire rather than assuming temperature is the cause. A tire that repeatedly loses pressure may need to be inspected by a professional.

What should you do if you have a flat tire or blowout?

If a tire suddenly loses pressure while you’re driving, focus on keeping control of the vehicle. Avoid abrupt steering or braking when possible. Once the vehicle is stable, slow down gradually and pull completely off the roadway when it is safe to do so. Turn on the hazard lights. Do not attempt to change the tire in or next to moving traffic and consider calling roadside assistance or emergency services if the location is unsafe.

Depending on your vehicle, you may have a spare tire or a temporary tire sealant kit. Check your owner’s manual before using the kit and follow any limits on how fast or how far you can drive. A sealant kit is intended as a temporary option and may not work for a blowout, sidewall damage or other serious tire damage. Consider having the tire checked at a tire shop as soon as you can.

If you can’t address the problem yourself, roadside assistance coverage may help. For example, if you have State Farm Emergency Road Service coverage it may help pay for reasonable emergency services for a covered vehicle, including a tire change. The coverage does not include the cost of the replacement tire or similar replacement items. Coverage is subject to policy provisions and may vary by state.

Does car insurance cover tire damage?

Whether car insurance applies to tire damage depends on what caused the damage and the coverages in your policy. Collision or comprehensive coverage may apply only if the applicable coverage was purchased and the vehicle was damaged by a covered event. Normal wear, aging and routine maintenance generally are not covered. Because comprehensive and collision coverages are not intended to provide road-hazard coverage for tires, when the only damage is to the tire(s), it may be excluded. Any deductible would also apply.

For example, if a tire and other parts of your vehicle are damaged in a collision, collision coverage may apply to covered vehicle damage. If damage results from certain non-collision events, such as vandalism or a falling object, comprehensive coverage may apply.

Coverage depends on the circumstances, your selected coverages, deductible and policy terms. Review your policy or learn more about car insurance coverage options to understand the coverage you have.

Keep your tires road-ready

A few routine checks may help you spot tire problems before your next drive:

• Check tire pressure and tread at least monthly and before long trips.
• Look for tread wear and visible damage.
• Follow your vehicle manufacturer’s tire rotation and maintenance guidance.
• Check your spare tire, temporary tire mobility or sealant kit.
• Know what roadside assistance and car insurance coverage you have.

Tire maintenance and insurance serve different purposes. Routine care can help keep your tires in good condition, while roadside assistance or certain auto coverages may help with specific tire-related situations.