So you’ve invested in high-quality tires but aren’t sure how to properly maintain them. Getting regular professional tire inspections is a great way to prevent worn-out tires. But did you know several common driving habits can wear out your tires prematurely?

In this blog, we’ll cover five frequent driver habits that can lead to tire wear and give tips on how to make your tires last longer!

If your tires are already looking smooth or showing signs of wear, check out common tire problems and learn how to prevent them. 

1. Driving Too Fast for Conditions

We all know that speeding is dangerous, but did you know it can also strain your tires? When you speed, your tires generate excessive heat that can soften the rubber, causing them to break down over time. On top of that, excessive speeding can harm your suspension, engine, transmission, and brakes.

You can prevent worn-out tires by: 

  • Sticking to your tire’s maximum speed – All tires have a speed rating on their side, which is a letter that correlates to a maximum speed. All-season tires typically have an S rating or a maximum speed of 112 MPH.

  • Following speed limits – Stick to the posted speed limits and adjust your speed according to the road and weather conditions. Heavy rain, snow, and heat can affect tire performance.

2. Braking Too Hard at High Speeds

It goes without saying that braking at high speeds (or any action that causes skidding) will result in rapid tire wear. This also applies to dry steering (turning your steering wheel while the car is stationary) and quickly accelerating. Both actions forcefully rub your tire treads against the pavement, which can leave behind bits of tire rubber.

For the best results: 

  • Brake gradually – Apply your brakes gently and progressively to give your tires time to grip the road and slow down.

  • Avoid slamming on the brakes – Slamming on the brakes causes your brakes to lock up and can lead to skidding. Frequently slamming on the brakes will wear out your tires over time.

3. Making Sharp, Quick Turns

We’ve all been there—you notice your turn a bit too late and accidentally skirt around a corner. Aggressive turns can place a lot of stress on the edges of your front tire, leaving behind pieces of rubber in the process. 

To protect your tires:

  • Reduce your speed before entering a turn – Slow down before entering a corner to reduce stress on your tires.

  • Take the corner at a moderate speed – Gradual cornering is gentler on your tires and safer for your vehicle.

4. Overloading Your Vehicle

Just like the maximum speed rating, all tires have a maximum weight rating that determines how much your vehicle can carry at once. Weight limits will vary depending on the vehicle, and you may be surprised by how quickly passengers can meet that number. It’s best to check your driver’s manual and your tires to make sure you’re not overloading your vehicle. 

If you’re in a vehicle designed to carry cargo regularly, you can extend your tire life with these tips: 

  • Carry necessary cargo only – Remove unnecessary items from your vehicle. That kayak on the top of your car from last summer? Put it away! On that note, consider using roof racks or trailers for larger loads.

  • Distribute weight evenly – When loading, ensure that the weight is distributed evenly to prevent uneven tire wear.

5. Not Rotating Your Tires

We’ve talked about the benefits of rotating your tires before, but it bears repeating: rotate your tires regularly to ensure even tire wear. You should rotate your tires every 6,000–8,000 miles, or follow your vehicle manufacturer’s recommendations.

How do you know if your tires are wearing out? The most obvious sign is visible damage to your tire treads due to suspension issues, improper alignment, under- or overinflation, and more. The wear pattern and position can indicate specific issues with your vehicle.

Remember to Inspect Your Tires Regularly

Common but improper driving habits can have significant long-term effects on your tire’s lifespan. Actions such as driving too fast, turning sharply at high speeds, and braking suddenly can cause your car to skid. This compromises the tire rubber’s durability. 

Looking at maintenance practices, distribute cargo evenly in your vehicle to avoid stressing particular tires. Rotate your tires periodically to prevent isolated worn-out tires.

When in doubt, shop at a reputable used tire dealer! A reputable used tire dealer will have a good selection of tires to choose from and can inspect your tires carefully to give you peace of mind!