Tyre Tips & Tyre Education

Proper inflation is the single most important part of tyre care. The inflation pressure indicated on the side of the tyre is the maximum allowable operating pressure. However, it is not necessarily the right inflation for your vehicle. Always use the inflation recommended by the vehicle manufacturer printed on the vehicle door placard or in the vehicle’s owner’s manual.

Always check inflation when tyres are cold (i.e. when the vehicle has been driven for less than a mile or one hour or more after driving). Use a good quality tyre gauge. Remember that it’s natural for radial tyres to have a slight bulge in the sidewall at their proper inflation pressure. Check or adjust inflation every few weeks before any long trip or if travelling with a heavy load. And don’t forget to check the spare! Your Goodyear dealer can answer any questions you have about tyre inflation.

Check your:

• Tyres’ Air Pressure:
  Smooth driving starts with your tyres. Check your tyre air pressure before your trip and at least once a month. NOTE: Tyre inflation pressure should always be adjusted only when the tyre is cool and should be done to the vehicle manufacturer’s recommendations printed on the vehicle door placard or in your vehicle’s owner’s manual. NEVER inflate beyond the maximum limit stamped on the tyre sidewall.
• Air Filter:
  Replacing a clogged air filter can improve gas mileage that translates to fuel savings for you.
• Spark Plugs:
  Worn or dirty spark plugs can cause misfiring, which wastes fuel. Replacing these per your vehicle’s owner’s manual can lead to a better performing vehicle and a better driving experience for you.
• Gas Cap:
  Damaged, loose, or missing gas caps waste gas. “Be Tyre Smart,” Rubber Manufacturer’s Association.

• Check your tyre pressure every 3,000 mi./4,500 km to keep your vehicle driving smoothly and evenly, therefore using gas more efficiently. NOTE: Tyres should be inflated when cool to the vehicle manufacturer’s recommendations printed on the vehicle door placard or in your vehicle’s owner’s manual. NEVER inflate beyond the maximum limit stamped on a tyre sidewall.
• Rotate your tyres every 6,000 – 8,000 mi./ 10,000 – 13,000 km to help equalize tread wear.
• Get your wheel alignment checked as specified in your vehicle’s owner’s manual, or as soon as you can feel the wheel “pull.”
• Visually check your tyres for irregularities in tread wear as these could indicate problems with alignment or inflation.
• For more information, visit our Personal Tyre Care section.

A vehicle is properly aligned when all suspension and steering components are sound, and when the tyre and wheel assemblies are running straight and true. Proper alignment is necessary for even tread wear and precise steering. Uneven front or rear tyre wear, or changes in your vehicle’s handling or steering response (i.e. pulling to one side) usually indicates misalignment.

Many vehicles today are equipped with rear suspensions that can be adjusted for alignment. Your vehicle may need a front-end alignment or a four-wheel alignment, depending on the symptoms you are experiencing. The moderate cost of aligning your vehicle pays for itself in tyre mileage, performance, and comfort. Goodyear retailers provide expert alignment and suspension service.

For the most enjoyable driving experience, it’s important to replace worn tyres. Optimum traction helps provide your vehicle with more responsive handling for a smoother, more reliable ride. You should always check your tyres in several tread locations. Be sure to check the inner, outer, and middle grooves of each tyre, as tyres can wear differently on each side due to improper wheel alignment and/or low inflation. For professional help, visit a Goodyear Store for a free inspection by our experts.