Tips and Tools
What should I inflate my new tires to?
Air pressure should be set in accordance with the vehicle manufacturer's specification if it's the same as the size originally equipped on your vehicle. The vehicle manufacturer's recommendation can usually be found in the owner's manual, on the door jam, or in the glove compartment. Contact the vehicle dealer for more specific information about your car.
The importance of maintaining the proper air pressure cannot be overstated. Under-inflation can lead to excessive heat build-up and structural stress, and can cause a tire to fail. Over-inflation can cause uneven tire wear in the center portion of the tread pattern, and can also lead to vehicle handling problems.
Do not check tire pressure after the vehicle has been operated because tires heat up, causing the air pressure to rise. Allow them to cool, then perform your check.
Check your spare tire as well. The proper air pressure for a spare is often different than the tires mounted on your vehicle. The proper air pressure for your spare should also be listed in your owner's manual, door jam, or glove compartment.
Use a quality air gauge when checking the pressure (digital gauges are the most reliable) - or have a professional service technician do the work for you.
Maintaining proper air pressure will also contribute to better fuel efficiency. So check, be safe, and save!
Why Rotation?
Ideally, tires should be rotated every 3,000 to 5,000 miles. When this is done consistently, the tires are more likely to maintain good handling and traction, and deliver maximum tread life. However, it's important to remember that tire rotation alone cannot guard against rapid or uneven wear if your vehicle has faulty mechanical parts, or improper tire inflation pressure.
Forward Cross - The most commonly used rotation pattern, designed primarily for front wheel drive vehicles - which most cars have.
Rearward Cross - For rear wheel and 4-wheel drive vehicles.
X-Cross - Also for rear wheel and 4-wheel drive vehicles - but can also be used as an alternative to the Forward Cross method for front wheel drive vehicles.
Front-to- Rear & Rear-To-Front - Primary used for performance vehicles equipped with directional tires of the same size.
Side-To-Side - Primary used for vehicles equipped with non-directional tires of different sizes.
What about the spare tire? - If your spare tire is of the same size as the 4 tires in service, you should include that spare in your rotation pattern. Follow the manufacturer's recommended rotation sequence, or introduce the spare into the rotation pattern in the right rear position.
Temporary-use spares cannot be included in your tire rotation.
