How to Check Your Tires for Leaks and Wear

Posted July 23, 2015

Many of us don’t think to check our tires. We just get in our vehicle every morning, drive to work, drive home, run errands and expect that our tires will take care of themselves.

Some new vehicles are equipped with tire monitoring devices that notify you if your tire pressure is low, but it is still a good idea to know how to check your tires manually.

First of all, it is a good idea to periodically check your tires to ensure that there are no foreign objects lodged in them. If you do see anything stuck in them, don’t dislodge it. If the object isn’t causing an air leak, your local Integra Tire may be able to simply patch the hole where the object had been lodged. If the object is causing an air leak, call a tow truck and have the vehicle towed to your local Integra Tire to have the tire inspected and possibly replaced or repaired. You should also inspect your tires for cracks and bulges. If you have either of these, it’s likely time for a new set of tires.

Tires may have a very slow leak that isn’t visibly noticeable, so we recommend checking them periodically with a tire pressure gauge. If you don’t know what tire pressure your tires should be set to, check the side door panel sticker and it will indicate the manufacturers’ recommended tire pressure.

The next step is to check the tread on your tires. The tread is the pattern of slits that surrounds the outer part of your tire. The tread will start to wear down overtime and the lower the tread goes, the less grip the tire will have. Some tires have tread depth indicators that will reveal a raised bar once the tread has reached maximum wear. If the raised bar is flush with your tread, it’s time for new tires.

If you don’t have a tread depth indicator, you can bring your vehicle into your local Integra Tire to have your tread depth tested and we can let you know if your tires need replacing or if they will last for many more seasons. You can also check your tread depth yourself. If you take a penny and put it in the tread (head side down), you shouldn’t be able to see the queen’s full face. If you can see her entire head, then it is likely time for you to come to Integra Tire and get a new set of tires.

Questions? Our Advisors are Happy to Help!

If you have questions about anything you've read in this resource page, contact your nearest dealer for more information. We are passionate in assisting our customers make the best choices to keep their vehicles in tip-top shape and keep their families safe.