We know new tires aren’t cheap. These must-know tire maintenance tips will keep your tires on the road for longer (while keeping you safe on the road).

On average, new car tires can last for about 4-6 years on the road. While the length of each tire’s life will vary depending on design and wear-and-tear factors, it’s possible to extend the life of your tires by following these simple steps:

1. Check your tire pressure on a monthly basis. Cold temperatures can lower air pressure, and warmer temperatures can increase air pressure. The variance of air pressure in your tires can increase wear and tear and potential lead to tire blowouts, so it’s important to check, and ensure that your tires’ air pressure is maintained at the correct level year round.
2. Rotate your tires for balanced tread wear. Ideally, you’ll want to have your tires rotated approximately every 8,000 kms. Most car manuals will include a recommended rotation pattern to ensure tire wear is spead evenly (ie: front-wheel-drive vehicles will wear out the front tires more quickly so you’ll need to swap them out with the rear tires to ensure even wear).
3. Check your alignment. Doing this twice per year will definitely extend the life of your tires, as this ensures that all tires are receiving equal pressure while driving.

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1. Lighten up that lead foot. Go easy on the gas and brake pedals while driving. Aggressive driving can lead to faster wear on the tire tread. Ease into your starting and stopping, and use controlled steering to ensure a longer life for your tires (and your car).
2. Use the right tires for the season. While there are added costs associated with switching your tires during the winter months, and again in the spring, there are great benefits to doing so. Keeping your tires appropriate for the season will keep you safer on the road, provide you with a better driving experience, and ultimately will save you money in the long run.

It’s important to remember that tires do have a shelf life, with expiration dates from 6-10 years after the date of production. When the time comes to toss your old tires, don’t forget to recycle them, with lots of free tire recycling options available to you right here in BC.