Your tires are the only part of your vehicle that actually touch the road — which means they have an enormous impact on your safety, fuel efficiency, and overall driving experience. Yet, many drivers overlook basic tire care until there’s a problem. At Auto Select, we know that something as simple as checking your tire pressure and monitoring tread wear can save you money, improve performance, and keep you safer on the road.

Why Proper Tire Pressure Matters

Keeping your tires inflated to the manufacturer’s recommended pressure isn’t just about preventing flats — it affects almost every aspect of your vehicle’s performance:

• Safety – Underinflated tires flex more and can overheat, leading to blowouts. Overinflated tires reduce grip and handling.
• Fuel Efficiency – A tire that’s even a few PSI low can increase rolling resistance, costing you more at the pump.
• Tire Life – Improper inflation causes uneven wear, meaning you’ll be buying new tires sooner than you should.
• Comfort – Correctly inflated tires help your suspension absorb bumps and maintain a smoother ride.

We recommend checking your tire pressure at least once a month and before any long trip — and always when the tires are cold for the most accurate reading.

Understanding Tread Wear

Your tire tread is what grips the road, channels water away in wet conditions, and helps you maintain control during braking and cornering. Worn or uneven tread can cause:

• Reduced Traction – Especially dangerous on wet or snowy roads.
• Longer Stopping Distances – Bald or low-tread tires can dramatically increase the time it takes to stop.
• Higher Risk of Hydroplaning – Without deep grooves, water can’t be displaced effectively.

How to Check Tread Depth

An easy way is the penny test — insert a penny into the tread with Lincoln’s head facing down. If you can see the top of his head, your tread is below 2/32" and it’s time for new tires. At Auto Select, we also use professional tread depth gauges during inspections for an accurate measurement.

Spotting Uneven Wear

Uneven tread wear patterns can indicate alignment problems, worn suspension parts, or improper tire inflation. For example:

• Center Wear – Often caused by overinflation.
• Edge Wear – Often caused by underinflation.
• Cupping or Scalloping – May signal suspension or shock issues.

Catching these problems early can prevent more expensive repairs down the road.

Auto Select Can Help

At Auto Select, our tire experts check pressure, tread depth, and wear patterns every time your vehicle is in for service. If your tires need rotating, balancing, or replacing, we’ll recommend the right solution to keep you safe and your car running efficiently.

Pro Tip: Pair regular tire checks with routine alignments to extend tire life and improve handling.

Bottom Line: Proper tire care isn’t just about avoiding flats — it’s about safety, performance, and saving money. Stop by any of our 12 Wisconsin locations for a free tire inspection and let us help you hit the road with confidence.