Sentury's Tire Care Checklist

If you're still planning a road trip this summer or fall, remember to perform all the regular vehicle and tire checks, and also be prepared for unpredictable weather changes, such as intermittent storms. With an 80% chance of El Niño being an extreme event this year, this checklist takes into consideration what you might encounter on the road.

1. Get a vehicle check-up
Even if the car has recently been serviced, it’s always a good idea to get a quick checkup to make sure it’s road-trip-ready and all the oil and water levels are optimal. You can also have the AC system inspected during routine vehicle maintenance; a technician can check for leaks, damaged hoses, worn belts, and proper refrigerant pressures.

2. Check your tires beforehand
Inspect your tires by checking the tire pressure and measuring tread depth. Be sure the spare tire is properly inflated and in good condition so it is ready for use if needed. Rotate or replace your tires as recommended to help maintain optimal performance and safety. Examine each tire for adequate tread depth, uneven wear, cracks, bulges, cuts, or embedded debris. Proper tread helps maintain traction and reduces the risk of hydroplaning during summer rainstorms. Keep in mind that tire pressure changes with temperature. As temperatures rise, the air inside your tires expands, increasing tire pressure. Check tire pressure regularly during the summer and adjust it according to your vehicle manufacturer's recommended specifications to help prevent overinflation.

3. Rotate and Align Tires as Needed
Rotate your tires according to your vehicle manufacturer's recommended maintenance schedule (typically every 5,000–8,000 miles). If you notice uneven tread wear or your vehicle pulls to one side, have the wheel alignment checked.

4. Prepare for Extended Driving
Right before any road trip, inspect all four tires and don't forget the spare. Verify that the spare tire is properly inflated and that you have the necessary tools, including a jack and lug wrench. Avoid overloading your vehicle, as excess weight increases heat buildup and tire wear.

5. Drive to Protect Your Tires
Summer heat can accelerate tire wear. Avoid sudden acceleration, hard braking, and sharp cornering whenever possible. Drive over potholes, curbs, and rough roads with caution, and inspect your tires after any significant impact. In the event of rainfall, slow down your driving by 5-20 miles per hour, depending on how heavy the rainfall is. Even if your tires have excellent tread, it takes longer to brake in wet conditions, and the roads are especially slippery after the first 10-15 minutes of rainfall because water mixes with the recent oil and debris on the pavement. Higher speeds also increase the risk of hydroplaning, as the tires have less time to channel water away from the contact patch.