Tire Tread & Wear Checklist
Ensure your safety and vehicle performance with this comprehensive tire tread, wear pattern, and sidewall damage inspection checklist 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. Regular inspections can prevent blowouts, improve gas mileage, and save money by identifying alignment or suspension issues early. This guide provides a professional-grade workflow for assessing tire health.
A basic visual check takes about 10 minutes (DIY), while a thorough measurement and pressure adjustment may take 20-30 minutes. If you take your vehicle to a professional shop, a full tire and alignment diagnostic typically takes 45-60 minutes.
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) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tire Pressure (All 4) | Required | DIY | 5 min | Matches door-jamb PSI | Inflate to spec |
| Spare Tire Pressure | Required | DIY | 2 min | Matches sidewall PSI | Inflate immediately |
| Tread Depth (Center) | Required | DIY | 5 min | At least 4/32" recommended | Replace tire if < 2/32" |
| Outer Edge Wear | Recommended | DIY | 3 min | Even with center tread | Check alignment/camber |
| Inner Edge Wear | Recommended | DIY | 3 min | Even with center tread | Check suspension/alignment |
| Sidewall Bulges/Bubbles | Required | DIY | 2 min | No visible protrusions | Replace tire immediately |
| Sidewall Cuts/Gouges | Required | DIY | 2 min | No exposed cords/deep cuts | Professional inspection |
| Dry Rot/Cracking | Recommended | DIY | 2 min | No spiderweb cracking | Replace if severe/old |
| Valve Stem Caps | Optional | DIY | 1 min | All present and tight | Replace missing caps |
| Valve Stem Leaks | Recommended | DIY | 2 min | No audible hissing | Replace valve core/stem |
| Wheel Rim Dents | Recommended | DIY | 3 min | No bends in metal lip | Repair or replace rim |
| Lug Nut Presence | Required | DIY | 1 min | All nuts present/tight | Tighten or replace |
| Cupping/Scalloping | Recommended | DIY | 4 min | Smooth tread surface | Check shocks/struts |
| Center Wear Only | Recommended | DIY | 2 min | Even across width | Lower tire pressure |
| Dual Edge Wear | Recommended | DIY | 2 min | Even across width | Increase tire pressure |
| Embedded Objects | Required | DIY | 5 min | No nails, screws, rocks | Patch or replace |
| TPMS Warning Light | Required | DIY | 1 min | Light is OFF on dash | Scan for sensor failure |
| Tire Age (DOT Code) | Recommended | DIY | 2 min | Under 6-10 years old | Replace if aged out |
| Vibration at Speed | Recommended | Shop | 15 min | Smooth ride at 60mph | Balance wheels/tires |
| Pulling to One Side | Recommended | Shop | 15 min | Vehicle tracks straight | Perform 4-wheel alignment |
Use this table as a guide during your monthly walk-around. Start at the driver's front tire and move clockwise around the vehicle to ensure no wheel is missed. Mark each item as 'Pass' only if it meets the criteria exactly.
If you identify multiple wear patterns (such as cupping and edge wear), it often indicates a combination of suspension wear and alignment issues. Address these promptly to avoid premature tire failure.
Notes
Extra context, cautions, and helpful tips.
Consistent record-keeping helps you predict when you will need to budget for a new set of tires.
- Keep a log of PSI readings to identify slow leaks.
- Always dispose of old tires at a licensed recycling center or tire shop.
- Reset your TPMS system after adjusting pressures (refer to manual).
- Common finding: Front tires on FWD cars wear faster; rotate every 5,000-7,500 miles.
- Check tires before and after long road trips.
- If you find a nail in the "shoulder" of the tire, it cannot be safely patched.
- Ensure all tires on an AWD vehicle are the same brand/model and similar tread depth.
- Browse similar checklists in our Maintenance section.
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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.