Check pressure regularly
Tire pressure is the simplest and most neglected check. Check it once a month and before every long trip, always when cold (at least 2 hours after driving). Tires under-inflated by just 0.5 bar increase fuel consumption by 2 to 5%, accelerate outer edge wear, lengthen braking distance, and raise the risk of a blowout due to overheating. Over-inflated tires reduce grip, especially on wet roads, and wear out the center of the tread prematurely. The manufacturer's recommended pressure is listed on a sticker inside the driver's door frame, in the fuel flap, or in the owner's manual. Note: pressure needs to be higher when the vehicle is loaded (holiday departure). And don't forget the spare tire!
Tire rotation
On any vehicle, the four tires don't wear at the same rate. Front tires handle both traction (on front-wheel-drive cars) and steering — they generally wear 2 to 3 times faster than the rear tires. Rotation means swapping them in a specific pattern (usually criss-cross: front right to rear left, front left to rear right) to distribute wear evenly. This simple operation, done every 10,000 to 12,000 km or at every oil change, extends tire life by 20 to 30% and ensures consistent handling. Mounting and balancing should be done by a professional. Note that some asymmetric or directional tires have a mandatory rotation direction.
When to replace your tires?
The legal minimum in France and Europe is 1.6 mm of tread depth, but for your safety, experts recommend replacing summer tires at 3 mm and winter tires at 4 mm. At 1.6 mm, braking distance on wet roads is already 30% longer than with a new tire. Beyond tread depth, also check the manufacturing date using the DOT code on the sidewall (4 digits: week and year, e.g. 2322 = week 23 of 2022). Rubber hardens over time, even without driving — after 5 to 6 years, tires lose grip and should be replaced regardless of visible wear.