Tire Inspection & Maintenance Checklist
Maintain safety and performance with this comprehensive tire inspection checklist. Covers tread depth, pressure, rotation, and alignment for all vehicle types.
Overview
Summary and key details for this checklist.
Tires are the only point of contact between your vehicle and the road. Proper maintenance ensures optimal braking distance, fuel economy, and handling. This checklist provides a structured approach to inspecting your tires for wear, damage, and age-related issues.
A basic visual inspection and pressure check takes approximately 10–15 minutes for a DIYer. A full rotation and deep inspection may take 45–60 minutes at home, whereas a professional shop can typically perform these tasks in under 30 minutes with a lift.
Printable Checklist
A clean, scannable checklist view. (You can export/print from the sidebar.)
| Item | Priority | Who | Time | What to check (Pass/Fail) | If failed (Next step) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Check cold tire pressure | Required | DIY | 5 min | Matches door-jamb PSI | Inflate or deflate to spec |
| Inspect tread depth (Center) | Required | DIY | 5 min | Above 2/32" (4/32" preferred) | Replace tires soon |
| Check for uneven wear | Recommended | DIY | 5 min | Even wear across the width | Check alignment/suspension |
| Inspect sidewalls for bulges | Required | DIY | 3 min | No bubbles or "eggs" | Replace tire immediately |
| Check for dry rot/cracking | Required | DIY | 3 min | No visible spiderweb cracks | Replace due to age |
| Inspect valve stem caps | Optional | DIY | 2 min | Caps present and tight | Replace missing caps |
| Check spare tire pressure | Required | DIY | 5 min | Matches spare PSI spec | Inflate to spec |
| Inspect for nails/screws | Required | DIY | 5 min | No foreign objects in tread | Patch or replace tire |
| Check wheel lug nut torque | Recommended | DIY | 10 min | Tight to manufacturer spec | Tighten with torque wrench |
| Verify TPMS light status | Required | DIY | 1 min | Light is OFF after startup | Scan for sensor codes |
| Check inner sidewall | Recommended | DIY | 5 min | No cuts or rubbing marks | Inspect suspension clearance |
| Inspect wheel rims | Recommended | DIY | 5 min | No bends, cracks, or chips | Repair or replace wheel |
| Check tire manufacture date | Recommended | DIY | 2 min | Less than 6-10 years old | Replace if aged out |
| Evaluate vibration at speed | Recommended | DIY | 10 min | Smooth ride at 60+ mph | Balance wheels at shop |
| Check valve stem condition | Recommended | DIY | 2 min | No leaks when wiggled | Replace valve stem |
| Inspect wheel weights | Optional | DIY | 2 min | Weights are securely attached | Rebalance at shop |
| Check rotation interval | Required | Shop/DIY | 30 min | Rotated within last 5k-8k miles | Perform tire rotation |
| Verify load rating matches | Required | DIY | 2 min | Matches vehicle requirements | Replace with correct rating |
Use the table above as a guide during your monthly walk-around. Mark each item as you go to ensure no corner of the vehicle is overlooked. If you are unsure about a specific wear pattern, take a photo to show a technician.
Consistency is key to tire longevity. Keeping a log of your PSI readings can help you identify slow leaks before they become flat tires on the highway.
Notes
Extra context, cautions, and helpful tips.
After completing your inspection, update your vehicle maintenance log to track tire life and identify patterns in wear or pressure loss.
- Record the date and current mileage.
- Note the PSI settings you adjusted to.
- Dispose of old tires at authorized recycling centers; never dump them.
- Reset the TPMS system if your vehicle requires a manual trigger after inflation.
- Clean your wheels with non-acidic cleaners to prevent finish damage.
- Check your lug nut torque again after 50 miles if you removed the wheels.
- Look for "feathering" on tread blocks which indicates alignment issues.
- If you found a nail, determine if it is in the "repairable zone" (center tread).
- Browse our Brake Inspection guide while the wheels are off.
- Check out General Maintenance for other fluid checks.
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FAQ
Common questions about this checklist.
Start from the complete car maintenance checklist, then narrow down by mileage, interval, and season.