Tire Guides

Plain-English guides to keeping your tires safe, with sources from NHTSA and industry groups.

• How to Read a Tire Sidewall Size Code
  Decode a tire size like P225/65R17 102H: width, aspect ratio, construction, rim size, load index and speed rating explained.
• Penny and Quarter Tread Depth Tests
  How to use the penny (2/32") and quarter (4/32") tests to check tread depth, plus tread wear indicator bars and when to replace.
• DOT Date Code: How Old Are Your Tires?
  Find the 4-digit DOT date code on a tire sidewall, read the week and year made, and learn what experts say about tire age.
• Door Placard and Correct Tire Pressure
  Where to find your car's recommended tire pressure, why the sidewall number isn't it, and how to check PSI correctly when tires are cold.
• When to Replace Your Tires
  Signs you need new tires: worn tread, age, sidewall cracks, bulges, punctures and vibration. A practical keep-or-replace checklist.
• Tire Types: All-Season, All-Terrain, Winter and Performance
  Compare all-season, all-weather, all-terrain, winter and summer performance tires: what each does best and who should buy them.
• Tire Rotation and Pressure Basics
  How often to rotate tires, common rotation patterns, and simple monthly pressure checks that extend tire life and save fuel.
• All-Season vs Winter Tires
  Should you buy winter tires or stick with all-season? How temperature, snow and ice affect grip, plus the all-weather middle option.
• Tire FAQ
  Quick answers to common tire questions: legal tread depth, tire age, right PSI, mixing tires, nitrogen, plugs vs patches and more.

General information only, not a substitute for an in-person inspection by a qualified tire professional. If in doubt, have your tires checked.

Last updated October 28, 2026.