Tires aren’t just black, round things that keep your car from scraping the road—they’re your vehicle’s direct connection to the pavement. They affect your safety, fuel economy, and overall driving experience. When you take care of them, you’re not just stretching your dollar—you’re also preventing dangerous blowouts, improving your vehicle’s handling, and keeping your family safe on the road.
And let’s face it—tires aren’t cheap. A full set can set you back hundreds of dollars. So why replace them sooner than you have to? Proper tire care can give you thousands of extra miles of safe driving, and the good news is, it’s not complicated.
At Burt Brothers Tire & Service, we see it all—from tires that could have lasted years longer with a little TLC, to sets that are worn dangerously thin after just a few seasons. We’re here to share the five most effective, proven ways to keep your tires rolling longer—and your money in your wallet.
Tip 1: Maintain Proper Tire Pressure
The single easiest and most effective way to prolong tire life? Keep them properly inflated.
When your tires are at the manufacturer’s recommended PSI (pounds per square inch), you get:
- Better fuel efficiency – Properly inflated tires reduce rolling resistance, meaning your engine works less and you spend less at the pump.
- Even tread wear – Incorrect pressure can cause the center or edges of the tire to wear faster.
- Improved safety – Underinflated tires build up heat and are more prone to blowouts. Overinflated tires have less contact with the road, reducing traction.
How to check:
- Use a reliable tire pressure gauge—digital or manual.
- Compare the reading to your vehicle’s recommended PSI, which you can find in the driver’s door jamb or owner’s manual (not on the tire sidewall).
- Check your pressure at least once a month and before long trips.
Seasonal tip: Tire pressure drops roughly 1 PSI for every 10°F decrease in temperature. So when the Utah weather swings from sunny to snowy, you’ll want to keep a closer eye on it.
At Burt Brothers, we check your tire pressure for free whenever you stop by. It takes just a minute, but the payoff can be thousands of extra miles.
Tip 2: Rotate Your Tires Regularly
Your tires don’t all wear at the same rate. Front tires tend to wear faster because they handle steering and more of the vehicle’s weight. Rotating them helps ensure that wear is evenly distributed.
When to rotate: Every 5,000–8,000 miles, or at least twice a year. A good habit is to have them rotated every time you get an oil change.
Rotation patterns:
- Front-to-back – Move front tires to the back and back tires to the front.
- Cross rotation – Swap left front with right rear, and right front with left rear (often used for front-wheel drive).
While DIY rotation is possible if you have the tools and experience, most people prefer to leave it to the pros—especially since tire rotation is free with the Burt Bundle. That way, you’re protecting your tires and your ride comfort at the same time.
Tip 3: Get Wheel Alignments as Needed
Even a slight misalignment can cause your tires to wear unevenly, reducing their lifespan and hurting your fuel efficiency. Alignment issues can also affect your steering and overall vehicle handling.
Signs you need an alignment:
- Your car pulls to one side while driving straight
- The steering wheel vibrates or feels off-center
- Uneven tire wear patterns
How often: Generally, once a year is a safe bet, but you may need one sooner if you hit a pothole, curb, or are involved in a minor accident.
Burt Brothers uses state-of-the-art alignment machines to get your wheels perfectly set to factory specs. Proper alignment doesn’t just make your tires last longer—it makes driving smoother and safer.
Tip 4: Balance Your Tires
Balancing is about making sure the weight of the tire and wheel assembly is evenly distributed. If a wheel is even slightly out of balance, it can cause vibration, uneven tread wear, and extra strain on your suspension.
Signs you might need balancing:
- Vibration in the steering wheel or seat at certain speeds
- Uneven or scalloped wear on the tread
When to balance:
- When you get new tires
- After a rotation
- Anytime you notice vibration
Burt Brothers’ technicians use precise balancing equipment to correct these small weight differences—something that can make a big difference in ride comfort and tire longevity.
Tip 5: Drive Smart to Reduce Tire Wear
Your driving habits can make or break your tire life. Aggressive acceleration, hard braking, and sharp cornering all create extra heat and friction, wearing down your tread faster.
To help your tires last longer:
- Accelerate and brake gradually when possible
- Avoid sudden turns and high-speed cornering
- Steer clear of potholes, debris, and curbs
- Don’t overload your vehicle or tow beyond capacity—excess weight puts extra strain on your tires
Think of it like this: smooth, steady driving isn’t just easier on your passengers—it’s a gift to your tires.
How to Check Tire Condition at Home
You don’t have to be a mechanic to spot the signs of tire wear.
- Tread depth test: Stick a penny into the tread with Lincoln’s head upside down. If you can see the top of his head, it’s time for new tires.
- Look for damage: Check for cracks, bulges, or objects stuck in the tread.
- Notice wear patterns:
- Center wear – Overinflation
- Edge wear – Underinflation
- Cupping – Suspension issues
If you spot anything unusual, have a pro take a closer look. At Burt Brothers, we offer free tire inspections to help you catch problems early.
When to Replace Your Tires
Even with perfect maintenance, tires eventually need replacing.
- Tread depth: Replace when tread reaches 2/32″ or less.
- Age: Most manufacturers recommend replacement every 6–10 years, regardless of tread. Check the DOT date code on your tire’s sidewall.
- Condition: If you notice large cracks, bulges, or persistent air loss, don’t risk it—get them replaced.
Driving on worn tires increases the risk of blowouts, reduces traction (especially in rain or snow), and lengthens stopping distances.
Benefits of Regular Tire Maintenance
Caring for your tires pays off in multiple ways:
- Better fuel economy
- Improved safety and handling
- Longer life for your suspension and steering components
- Lower long-term costs
When you make tire care part of your routine, you’re not just saving money—you’re protecting your vehicle and everyone in it.
Where to Get Tire Maintenance Services
While some maintenance tasks are easy to do at home, there’s value in professional service.
At Burt Brothers, we offer:
- Tire rotations and balancing
- Precision wheel alignments
- Free tire pressure and tread checks
- Competitive pricing on new tires from trusted brands
We’ve been serving Utah drivers since 1991, and our team treats every vehicle like it’s our own. Plus, we make scheduling easy—online, by phone, or in person.
Conclusion: Keep Your Tires Road-Ready
Tires are one of the most important (and expensive) parts of your vehicle, but with a little attention, they can last much longer than you think.
Remember:
- Keep your tires properly inflated
- Rotate them regularly
- Get wheel alignments as needed
- Balance them for a smooth ride
- Drive smart and avoid unnecessary stress
Make tire care a habit, and your wallet—and your safety—will thank you.
So here’s your challenge for today: grab a tire gauge, check your pressure, and if it’s been a while since your last rotation or alignment, schedule a visit with Burt Brothers Tire & Service. We’ll help you get the most out of every mile.
