Top 5 Tire Maintenance Tips to Extend Tread Life

When it comes to car care, your tires are literally where the rubber meets the road. At Freed’s Automotive in Fond du Lac, WI, we see firsthand how tire neglect can lead to premature wear, poor fuel economy, and even safety hazards. Whether you're commuting to work, heading out on a road trip, or just driving around town, taking care of your tires is essential for both your safety and your wallet.

In this post, we’re diving into the top five tire maintenance tips that will help you extend the life of your tread, get better mileage, and enjoy a smoother, safer ride. These aren’t just best practices—they’re essential habits for any vehicle owner who wants to protect their investment and drive with confidence.

1. Check Tire Pressure Regularly

Maintaining proper tire pressure is one of the simplest yet most effective ways to extend tread life. Underinflated tires can cause excessive wear on the outer edges, while overinflated tires wear faster in the center. Both situations can lead to poor handling and reduced fuel efficiency.

At Freed’s Automotive, we recommend checking your tire pressure at least once a month—and before long drives. Fond du Lac’s fluctuating seasonal temperatures can cause significant pressure changes, so it’s especially important to stay vigilant in spring and fall.

Pro Tip: Use a high-quality digital tire pressure gauge and compare your readings to the manufacturer’s recommended PSI (usually found on the driver’s door jamb or in your owner’s manual). If you’re unsure, stop by Freed’s Automotive—we’ll be happy to help you check and adjust your pressure.

2. Rotate Your Tires Every 5,000 to 7,500 Miles

Tire rotation is a key part of routine vehicle maintenance. Because front and rear tires wear differently (especially on front-wheel-drive vehicles), rotating them helps ensure even wear across all four tires, maximizing their lifespan.

We suggest rotating your tires every 5,000 to 7,500 miles. If you’re already coming in for an oil change or brake service at our Fond du Lac shop, it’s the perfect time to have your tires rotated as well.

Why it matters: Uneven tire wear can cause your car to pull to one side, increase stopping distances, and even void your tire warranty. Regular rotations are a small investment that pays off big in the long run.

3. Keep Your Wheels Properly Aligned

Alignment issues are a silent tire killer. If your wheels aren’t aligned correctly, your tires can wear unevenly and more rapidly than they should. Misalignment can also lead to vibration, a crooked steering wheel, and poor handling.

At Freed’s Automotive, we offer professional alignment checks and adjustments for all types of vehicles. If you’ve recently hit a pothole (hello, Wisconsin roads!) or notice your car pulling to one side, it’s time to schedule a visit.

Quick Test: Drive down a flat, empty stretch of road and lightly let go of the wheel—if your car drifts, your alignment may be off.

4. Balance Your Tires

Tire balancing ensures that your tire and wheel weight is evenly distributed around the axle. Unbalanced tires can cause uneven tread wear, vibrations, and stress on your suspension.

Tire balancing is often done when new tires are installed, but it should also be checked if you notice unusual vibrations, especially at highway speeds. At our Fond du Lac location, we use precision equipment to balance tires for a smooth and safe ride.

Remember: Balanced tires not only last longer, they also improve your fuel economy and driving comfort.

5. Inspect Your Tires for Wear and Damage

Routine tire inspections can catch problems before they become serious (and expensive). You don’t need to be a mechanic to spot the warning signs—here’s what to look for:

• Tread Depth: Use the penny test—insert a penny into the tread with Lincoln’s head down. If you can see all of his head, it’s time for new tires.
• Cracks or Bulges: These could be signs of internal damage.
• Embedded Objects: Nails, glass, or rocks can cause slow leaks or blowouts.

At Freed’s Automotive, our technicians perform thorough tire inspections during every visit. We’ll let you know if it’s time to repair, rotate, or replace your tires—and we’ll never upsell you on something you don’t need.

Final Thoughts

Tires aren’t the most glamorous part of car ownership, but they are one of the most critical. With just a little care and attention, you can extend their lifespan, boost your vehicle’s performance, and drive with peace of mind.



At Freed’s Automotive in Fond du Lac, WI, we’re here to help you get the most out of every mile. Whether you need a quick tire rotation, a pressure check, or new tires altogether, we’ve got you covered with honest advice and top-notch service.

Take care of your tires, and they’ll take care of you—mile after mile.