Prepare Your Tires for the Miles Ahead 

The holiday season is one of the busiest times of the year for travel. Families pack their cars, load up luggage, and hit the road to visit loved ones or enjoy a well-deserved getaway. However, before heading out, it is important to make sure your vehicle is ready for the trip, starting with your tires. At Raymond’s Tire Shop, we know that well-maintained tires can make the difference between a safe, smooth trip and an unexpected roadside delay. Here is a complete tire health checklist to help you prepare for holiday travel with confidence.

1. Check Tire Pressure

Cold weather affects tire pressure more than most drivers realize. For every 10-degree drop in temperature, tire pressure can decrease by about one pound per square inch. Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance, reduce fuel efficiency, and can cause uneven tread wear. They also make your vehicle harder to handle on wet or icy roads.

Before setting out, check your tire pressure with a reliable gauge and compare it to the manufacturer’s recommended level listed in your vehicle’s owner’s manual or on the driver-side door jamb. If pressure is low, top it off to the proper level. Remember to check your spare tire as well, as many travelers forget it until they actually need it.

2. Inspect Tread Depth

Good tread is essential for maintaining traction, especially in winter conditions. Worn-out tread reduces grip on wet or snowy pavement and increases stopping distances. A simple way to check tread depth is the “penny test.” Insert a penny into the tire groove with Lincoln’s head upside down. If you can see the top of his head, the tread is too shallow and it is time to replace the tire.

At Raymond’s Tire Shop, we can perform a professional tread inspection using precise tools to measure wear across the entire tire surface. This ensures you are not only meeting minimum safety standards but also maximizing your tires’ performance and longevity.

3. Look for Visible Damage

Before a long trip, inspect each tire for cracks, cuts, bulges, or embedded objects such as nails or glass. Even small punctures can lead to air loss or blowouts during highway driving. Sidewall damage is especially dangerous because it weakens the structural integrity of the tire.

If you notice any irregularities, visit a professional before driving long distances. Our technicians can determine whether a repair is safe or if replacement is the better option.

4. Ensure Proper Wheel Alignment and Balance

Misaligned or unbalanced tires can cause vibrations, uneven wear, and poor handling, all of which can make long drives uncomfortable and unsafe. If your car pulls to one side, or if you feel steering-wheel vibration at certain speeds, it is time to have your alignment and balance checked.

At Raymond’s Tire Shop, we use professional alignment systems to correct uneven angles and ensure each tire contacts the road evenly. This improves steering control and extends the life of your tires.



5. Rotate Tires Before Long Trips

Regular tire rotation promotes even wear across all four tires, improving performance and extending lifespan. Since different tires bear different loads depending on your vehicle’s drivetrain, front and rear tires wear at different rates. Rotating them before a long trip helps maintain consistent traction and ride quality.

We recommend rotating tires approximately every 5,000 to 7,000 miles. If it has been a while since your last rotation, the weeks before holiday travel are an ideal time to schedule this service.

6. Check Your Spare Tire and Tools

Even the best preparation cannot prevent every flat tire. Before you leave, make sure your spare is properly inflated and in good condition. Also, confirm that your jack, lug wrench, and other tire-changing tools are present and functional. Having these essentials ready can save valuable time if you experience a flat on the road.



Final Thoughts

A holiday road trip should be enjoyable, not stressful. Taking the time to inspect and maintain your tires before departure ensures safety, comfort, and peace of mind for every passenger.

At Raymond’s Tire Shop, we help drivers prepare for seasonal travel by providing expert inspections, replacements, and tire maintenance services. Visit us before your next trip and let our team make sure your vehicle is ready for the miles ahead.