When it comes to car maintenance, your tires often don’t get the attention they deserve. Yet, they’re the only part of your car that directly touches the road. At Atlanta Speedwerks, we know the difference proper tire care can make—not just for safety but for overall performance. With our expertise in servicing luxury vehicles like Porsche, BMW, and Audi, we’ve helped countless customers keep their cars in peak condition.
In this guide, Todd Lamb, owner of Atlanta Speedwerks, breaks down the essentials: tire age, inflation, and alignment. Whether you’re a daily commuter or a luxury car enthusiast, these insights will help you make smarter choices for your tires—and your wallet.
How Old Are Your Tires? Here’s How to Check
Believe it or not, tires have an expiration date. Every tire features a date code on its sidewall that reveals when it was manufactured. This isn’t just trivia; it’s critical for your safety.
How to Check Tire Age:
- Look for a four-digit code on the sidewall.
- The first two digits represent the week of the year, and the last two show the year.
For example, “0323” means the third week of 2023.
Why does this matter? Tire manufacturers recommend replacing tires after seven years, even if the tread appears fine. Over time, tires can dry rot, causing cracks and structural issues that might not be visible but can lead to dangerous blowouts.
Tire Replacement After 7 Years: Todd Lamb’s Expert Advice on Safety and Maintenance
“Seven years is pretty much the maximum that the manufacturers recommend. Once you get past seven years, you’ll be looking at dry rotting and things like that. Even if you’ve got plenty of tread on the tire, at seven years, it’s just simply time to replace that tire.”
Why Proper Tire Inflation Matters
Proper tire inflation is one of the simplest yet most important maintenance steps you can take. Incorrect pressure doesn’t just reduce tire life; it can also compromise your safety and your car’s performance.
Common Problems with Poor Inflation:
- Underinflation: Causes tires to heat up, wear unevenly, and risk blowouts.
- Overinflation: Reduces traction, wears out the center tread prematurely, and makes the ride less comfortable.
Preventing Tire Blowouts: The Risks of Tire Failure on the Highway
“What generally happens when a tire fails and explodes on the highway or just completely goes flat is the air is slowly going down. The tire gets hot, it delaminates, and then it just falls apart.”
Quick Tips for Tire Pressure:
- Check tire pressure monthly or before long trips.
- Use a reliable gauge and follow your car’s recommended settings (found in the owner’s manual or driver’s side doorjamb).
- Don’t forget your spare tire—it needs to be properly inflated, too!
At Atlanta Speedwerks, we specialize in tire maintenance for luxury vehicles, ensuring every car we service has the perfect balance of safety and performance.
Tire Alignment: The Hidden Key to Long-Lasting Tires
Your car’s alignment affects more than just how it handles—it’s also crucial for tire wear. Misaligned wheels can cause uneven wear, reducing tire life and forcing you to replace tires sooner than necessary.
Signs Your Alignment Might Be Off:
- Uneven tire wear (e.g., one edge wearing faster than the other).
- Your car pulls to one side when driving.
- The steering wheel feels off-center or vibrates.
Expert Advice on Tire Wear: How Alignment and Tire Pressure Impact Tire Lifespan
“Alignment and tire pressure are very much related to tire wear. If your alignment is off, you’re going to wear inside edge, outside edge, just different parts of the tire. It’s not going to wear evenly, and you’re not going to get your life out of it that you should be getting with a proper alignment.”
At Atlanta Speedwerks, our tire alignment services in Gainesville, GA ensure your tires wear evenly, your car drives smoothly, and your investment in premium tires pays off.
Quick Checklist: Is It Time for Tire Service?
You might need tire service if:
✅ Your tires are over seven years old.
✅ You’ve noticed uneven wear patterns.
✅ Your car pulls to one side or feels bumpy.
✅ You haven’t checked your tire pressure in the last month.
Trust Atlanta Speedwerks for All Your Tire Care Needs
Your tires are your connection to the road, making proper care essential. At Atlanta Speedwerks, we specialize in keeping your car safe and performing its best with tire inspections, alignments, and maintenance tailored to your needs.
Visit us at 470 Woodsmill Rd Ste E, Gainesville, GA 30501, or call (678) 971-5300 to schedule your tire service today. Your car deserves the best—and so do you.
