10 Ways To Make Your Tires Last Longer and Save Money

On average, a well-cared-for set of car or truck tires can last up to 60,000 miles. Skip maintenance and that number drops, leaving you with higher costs and a greater risk of blowouts or accidents.

Luckily, tire maintenance doesn't require a mechanic's toolbox. Many of the recommendations below are simple enough to do yourself, and for the rest, a quick visit to your local tire shop can keep you on track.

1. Maintain Proper Tire Pressure

Checking tire pressure is one of the easiest and most important maintenance tasks. Tires that are underinflated flex more than they should, which creates excess heat, reduces fuel efficiency and causes the edges of the tread to wear faster. Overinflated tires, on the other hand, have less contact with the road, leading to a harsher ride and quicker wear in the center of the tread.

You can find your vehicle's recommended tire pressure in the owner's manual or on a sticker located inside the driver's door. Keep a pressure gauge in your car and make it a habit to check your tires at least once a month, and especially before long trips. Even a slight adjustment can make a big difference in performance and longevity.

2. Rotate Your Tires Regularly

Tires don't wear evenly, especially since the front set typically wears out faster due to steering and the vehicle's weight distribution. That's where tire rotation comes in. By swapping the position of each tire, you ensure the tread wears more evenly across all four.

Most manufacturers recommend rotating tires every 5,000 to 7,500 miles, although your vehicle's manual will provide the exact guidance. Consistent rotation promotes balanced handling and can extend the overall life of your set, helping you avoid buying replacements sooner than necessary.

3. Get Regular Wheel Alignments

When your wheels are out of alignment, your tires don't make contact with the road evenly. Over time, that uneven contact causes faster wear, lowers fuel efficiency and makes your car harder to control.

You may notice your vehicle drifting to one side, with the steering wheel sitting off-center when driving straight or tread wearing down unevenly. These are all red flags that it's time for service.

A good rule of thumb is to have your tires aligned every 5,000 to 6,000 miles. Addressing alignment issues promptly not only extends tire life but also keeps your ride safer and more comfortable.

4. Balance Your Tires

Tire balancing is often confused with alignment, but they're not the same. Balancing makes sure the weight of each wheel-and-tire assembly is distributed evenly. Even slight imbalances can cause vibrations, uneven tread wear and extra strain on suspension components.

A helpful guideline is to have your tires balanced whenever they're mounted on wheels, such as when you get new tires, after a rotation or about every 5,000 to 6,000 miles. This small step keeps your ride smooth, protects your suspension and helps your tires last longer.

5. Inspect Tires Frequently

Set aside time at least once a month—or before a long road trip—to give your tires a quick once-over. A simple visual check can catch minor problems before they become significant issues. Look for cuts, bulges, cracks or punctures, and keep an eye out for tread that wears unevenly, which can indicate alignment or suspension problems.

Tread depth is just as important. The penny test is a quick way to measure: Place a penny into the tread with Lincoln's head facing down. If you can see the top of his head (approximately 2/32 of an inch), it's time to start shopping for replacements. Many tires also come with built-in wear bars that make it easier to spot when the tread is running low. Replacing worn tires helps ensure better traction, especially on wet or snowy roads.

6. Avoid Aggressive Driving

The way you drive directly affects tire wear. Rapid acceleration, hard braking and sharp cornering put added stress on the tread. Over time, aggressive driving significantly shortens tire life.

Adopting smoother habits—such as accelerating gradually, avoiding potholes, coasting when possible and taking corners gently—reduces unnecessary wear. Not only does this extend the lifespan of your tires, but it also improves fuel economy and makes for a safer, more comfortable ride.

7. Don't Overload Your Vehicle

Every vehicle has a maximum load capacity listed in the owner's manual. Exceeding this weight places excess pressure on your tires, causing them to heat up and wear faster. In severe cases, it can cause blowouts.

Whether you're hauling heavy equipment or taking a road trip, know your car's limits. Distribute weight evenly and avoid stacking cargo on one side. This simple precaution helps preserve your tires and keeps your vehicle stable.

8. Store Tires Properly When Not in Use

If you switch between all-season and winter tires or keep extra spares on hand, proper storage is crucial. Tires degrade faster when exposed to heat, sunlight, chemicals and moisture.

Store them in a cool, dry place, ideally indoors and away from direct sunlight. Keep them off the ground by using racks or stands and cover them to protect against dust and chemicals. Proper storage ensures that your tires are ready to perform when needed.

9. Choose the Right Tires for Your Vehicle and Driving Conditions

Tires aren't one-size-fits-all. The best tire choice depends on your vehicle, your climate and how you drive. Start by checking the owner's manual or the Tire and Loading Information label on the driver's side door for the correct size and load rating.

From there, think about the conditions you face most often. All-season tires handle a variety of weather and make a solid year-round choice. Winter tires utilize softer rubber and deeper tread to remain flexible in freezing temperatures, providing better grip on snow and ice. Performance tires prioritize sharper handling and speed but tend to wear more quickly. Matching the right tire to your driving habits not only improves handling and safety, but also helps your tires last longer by reducing unnecessary wear.

10. Regularly Clean Your Tires

Cleaning your tires isn't just about keeping your car looking sharp—it also protects them from damage. Because tires are the only part of your vehicle that touch the road, they pick up salt, brake dust, oil and other debris that can build up over time. Left unchecked, that grime can cause corrosion, peel wheel finishes or even create slow leaks by making rims more porous.

A routine cleaning every couple of months helps prevent these issues and extends the life of your tires. Use mild soap and water, or a cleaner specifically designed for tires and wheels. Avoid harsh chemicals, which can dry out the rubber and lead to cracking. A soft brush or cloth is usually enough to remove buildup and keep your tires in top shape.

Tread With Confidence

Taking care of your tires is one of the easiest ways to boost safety, save money and get the most miles out of your car. From keeping them properly inflated to choosing the right type for your driving conditions, small habits can make a big difference in how long your tires last. And when repairs or replacements come up, having a way to cover those costs quickly is just as important.

The Synchrony Car Care credit card can help you pay for car repairs promptly, keeping you on the road and where you need to be. Learn more and apply now.