The Importance of Tires: Why Matching, Proper Wear, and Inflation Matter
Yourtires are the only part of your vehicle that touches the road, which makes them one of the most important components of your car’s safety and performance. Unfortunately, tire maintenance is often overlooked. Driving with mismatched tires, uneven tire tread wear, or incorrect tire pressure can lead to reduced handling, poor fuel efficiency, and even dangerous situations on the road.
Let’s take a closer look at why tire care is so important and what you can do to keep your car driving safely.
Why You Need Matching Tires
Your vehicle was designed to operate with four matching tires—the same size, tread pattern, and construction. When one or more tires are different, your car’s handling and braking can be compromised. For example:
Mismatched tires can cause instability during turns or in wet weather.
Different tread patterns may create uneven traction, reducing grip and control.
Varied tire sizes can confuse your vehicle’s ABS and traction control systems.
To stay safe and ensure even performance, always replace tires in sets of four—or at least in pairs on the same axle.
The Role of Tire Tread
Tire tread depth determines how well your tires grip the road. Worn or uneven tread increases stopping distance, reduces traction in rain or snow, and raises the risk of hydroplaning. Driving with uneven tread can also stress your suspension and alignment.
Check your tread regularly with the “penny test”: insert a penny into the tread with Lincoln’s head upside down. If you can see the top of his head, your tires are worn and need to be replaced.
The Importance of Tire Inflation
Proper tire inflation is critical for safety, fuel efficiency, and longevity. Both underinflated and overinflated tires can cause problems:
Underinflated tires wear out faster, lower gas mileage, and can overheat, increasing the risk of a tire blowout.
Overinflated tires create a rough ride and wear out the center tread prematurely.
Check your tire pressure monthly and before long trips. Always use the manufacturer’s recommended PSI, which can be found in your owner’s manual or on the driver’s door sticker.
Tire Care = Peace of Mind
By keeping up with tire rotation, checking tread wear, and maintaining proper tire pressure, you’ll improve handling, extend tire life, and most importantly—stay safe on the road.
At Dickerson Automotive, we’re here to help with all your tire services, from tire replacements and wheel alignments to tire inspections and pressure checks. Stop by and let us help keep your vehicle road-ready all year long.