How Do I Know If My Tires Are Safe to Drive On?

Tire safety is one of those things drivers don’t think about — until it’s too late. But as a local shop owner with over 38 years under the hood, I can tell you: the health of your tires has a major impact on how your car handles, brakes, and keeps you safe out on the road.

That’s why we’re proud to support National Tire Safety Week 2025, happening June 30 to July 4 — an annual effort from the U.S. Tire Manufacturers Association to educate drivers on proper tire maintenance. And right here at Wayside Garage in Seaside, CA, we’re doing our part to help folks check in before they check out for summer road trips.

🚗 So, How Do You Know If Your Tires Are Safe?

It really comes down to four key checks — easy to remember with the acronym P.A.R.T.:

🔹 P = Pressure

Low tire pressure leads to poor fuel economy, sluggish handling, and faster wear. We recommend checking pressure monthly, especially before long drives. Always check when your tires are “cold” — that means before you hit the road, not after a grocery run.

🔹 A = Alignment

If your car’s drifting left or right, or your steering feels off, your alignment may be out of whack. Misalignment causes uneven wear, hurts handling, and can shorten your tire life — not to mention your patience.

🔹 R = Rotation

You’d be surprised how fast tires can wear unevenly. We rotate tires every 5,000–7,500 miles to make sure all four tires wear evenly. This extends tire life and keeps your vehicle handling the way it should.

🔹 T = Tread

Tires need grip, especially in wet or winding road conditions. We recommend checking tread depth monthly. If your tire tread is worn down to 2/32 of an inch or less — or if you see visible cracking or bulges — it’s time to replace them.

💡 Quick Tip: Stick a penny into your tread, Lincoln's head down. If you can see all of Honest Abe's noggin, your tread is too low.

🛠️ What We Offer at Wayside Garage, Seaside CA

We’ve been serving the Seaside community for nearly four decades, and tire safety is something we don’t take lightly. Our tire services include:

Tire age checks — rubber breaks down over time, even if your tread looks good. Most tires should be replaced every 6 years, regardless of wear.

Whether you're planning a road trip or just commuting to work, swing by Wayside Garage in Seaside for a tire check. No pressure (pun intended) — just experienced, straightforward service you can trust.

❓ FAQ: Tire Safety Questions We Hear All the Time

Q: How do I know when my tires need to be replaced?

A: If your tread is worn past 2/32", your tires are over six years old, or you notice bulges or cracks — it’s time to replace them.

A: Every 5,000 to 7,500 miles. We include this as part of routine maintenance at Wayside Garage.

A: Absolutely. One pothole or curb can knock alignment off. If your car pulls or your tires wear unevenly, it’s time for an alignment check.

A: Check your driver’s door sticker or owner’s manual — never use the number printed on the tire itself.

🏁 Drive Into Summer with Confidence

This National Tire Safety Week, don’t just guess your tires are safe — know they are. Bring your vehicle to Wayside Garage in Seaside, California and let our experienced team give your tires a full safety check.

You’ll leave knowing your pressure’s perfect, your alignment’s dialed in, and your tread is road-trip ready.