Your Guide to Nissan Tire Maintenance | Nissan Parts
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December 23, 2021

Your Go-To Guide for Nissan Tire Maintenance

Tires are a big investment, and you want to get the most use out of yours as possible. If properly cared for, your Nissan's tires can last for years. But what should you be doing, and how often? With our guide to tire maintenance, you'll learn everything you need to know about tires, how to care for yours, and when it's time to buy a new set.


What Does Tire Maintenance Mean?

Your Nissan's tires are the only part of your vehicle that touches the road when you drive, which leads to wear caused by friction. At a certain point, your tires become unusable, whether the tread is too low, the tires can no longer maintain the proper air pressure, or the rubber is physically damaged.

While tires can't last forever, there are ways you can get the most miles out of yours. This is where tire maintenance comes in. With regular inspections and upkeep, you can help give your tires a longer life.

Why Is Tire Care Important?

Staying on top of basic tire care can help protect you, your tires, and your Nissan. Because your tires are the only point of contact between your car and the road, they need to be in great working condition. Worn tires can negatively impact your ability to brake and steer. Tires with low tread might also lack the traction needed to drive on wet, snowy, or icy roads, making them especially dangerous in the winter. Issues like low air pressure can lead to blowouts.

In addition to safety, you have the cost of tires and your vehicle to worry about. Worn tires can lead to accidents and costly repairs. When you don't properly care for your tires, you might end up replacing them more often, which means more money out of your pocket in the long run.

Parts of a Tire

Your tires are the pieces of rubber attached to the rims on your wheels. Whether you drive an Altima, Pathfinder, Frontier, or other Nissan, your tires feature the same core components. These include the belt and body plies, beads, bead filler, tread, sidewall, and inner lining. For tire maintenance, you will want to focus on the tread and sidewall.

  • Tread: The tread is the grooved part of your tires, and the grooves help with traction and handling. Over time, the tread wears off, reducing traction and causing you to need new tires. However, if the tread is punctured or torn by something like a nail, it can often be repaired.
  • Sidewall: The sidewall is the smooth area between the tread and the rims. Here, you can find important information, such as the tire brand and size. Unlike the tread, if the sidewall is punctured or damaged, it cannot be repaired, and you will need a new set of tires.

Recommended Tire Maintenance Services

If you want to get the most out of your tires, you need to keep up with inspections and services. Properly maintained tires are not only likely to last longer, but they can also help with fuel economy, safe handling, and driving performance. What should you be doing to maintain your tires?

Regular Tire Inspections

Regularly inspecting your tires is one way you can keep them up to par. Luckily, this can be done at home. You should check your tires at least once a month or more frequently if you often drive long distances. You should also give them a once-over before any big road trips. When inspecting your tires, you want to:

  • Look for Signs of Wear and Damage: Visually inspect your tires for cracks, tears, bulges, and objects stuck in the rubber. If something looks off, it's a good idea to take your Nissan into a service center for a professional tire inspection.
  • Check the Tire Pressure: Tire pressure helps you determine if your tires are properly inflated. Many newer models allow you to check your tire pressure from a dashboard menu, but it's best to double-check with a tire gauge. The appropriate pressure varies based on vehicle, so you should reference your Nissan owner's manual to find the proper PSI (pounds per square inch) for your model.
  • Measure the Tread: A tread depth gauge will give you the most accurate measurement, but you can also use a simple coin. Take a quarter and insert it head-first into the groove. Do this at three different points across the tread (the center, outer edge, and inner edge) to account for inconsistencies in inflation. You shouldn't be able to see the top portion of Washinton's head. If his entire head is visible, it's time for new tires.

Tire Rotations

Your front tires and back tires carry different loads and perform different functions when steering and braking. This can lead to uneven wear, which is why rotating your tires is so important. During a tire rotation, your tires are moved to different positions, often in a forward cross pattern, to help with even wear.

Generally, tire rotations are done every 5,000 to 7,000 miles, but you should check your owner's manual to see the recommended mileage for your Nissan. Many people choose to get their tires rotated when they take their car in for an oil change since the two services are usually due around the same time.

Alignments

Alignment is what keeps your tires straight and tracking properly. When your alignment is off, it can lead to uneven wear patterns on your tires and dangerous steering conditions. All it takes is hitting a pothole just right or driving down a rough road for your alignment to get messed up.

Alignments should be checked and adjusted at least once a year. You should also take your car in for an alignment when new tires are installed or if you notice your vehicle constantly drifting to one side.

Tire Balancing

Tire balancing not only helps with even tread wear, but it can also provide a smoother ride. Small weights are added to the inside of your tires to create even weight distribution in the wheels. This can help minimize vibrations and give you a smooth driving experience. You should get your tires balanced at least every other time you get them rotated.

Signs of a Tire Problem

If you frequently inspect your tires and keep an eye out for issues with alignment, balance, and wear, it should be easy for you to know when something's wrong. Below are some common signs your tires need attention.

  • Illuminated Tire Maintenance Light: When your Nissan's tire maintenance light comes on, it's not a cause for immediate concern. This light just means it's time for a tire rotation.
  • Bulging Center: This is a sign your tires are overinflated, and it can cause the middle of your tires to wear down quicker than the edges.
  • Uneven Wear: Is the inside of your tire more worn than the outside or vice versa? This could mean your car is out of alignment.
  • Patchy Wear: If the tread is higher on certain areas of your tire than others, you could be dealing with a balance issue.
  • Excessive Vibrating or Thumping: When a tire becomes unbalanced, you'll likely experience bumpier rides.
  • Drifting to One Side While Driving: If your Nissan is being pulled to one side while driving down the road, your alignment may be off.

When Is it Time to Get New Tires?

Even if you take good care of your tires and keep up with maintenance, you'll eventually need new ones. As a general rule of thumb, you should replace your tires every six years. You might need to replace them sooner, however, if you notice any of the following problems.

  • Tire Tread Is Too Low: If your tread fails the quarter test or measures less than 2/32 of an inch, you may need to start shopping for new tires.
  • Sidewalls Are Cracked or Damaged: The sidewalls naturally wear down over time, and if you notice visible damage, you need new tires ASAP. Driving with cracked, cut, or blistered sidewalls can lead to a blowout and accident.
  • Your Nissan Vibrates at All Speeds: When your car vibrates at high speeds, this can point to an alignment issue, but if it vibrates at low speeds as well, there's likely a bigger problem with your tires.
  • You've Been Using a Spare Tire: If you put a spare tire on your Nissan after getting an irreparable flat, you should replace all four tires. Even if your remaining three tires are in good condition, it's recommended you replace them all at the same time to avoid issues later on. When you only purchase one, your tires will have different tread levels, which can lead to differences in braking and driving performance.

Tire Maintenance Services and OEM Parts from Nissan

With proper care, you can stay ahead of tire issues and help give your tires a longer life. Nissan Parts & Accessories carries Nissan tire-compatible components to help you keep your tires in great shape. Shop online and visit your nearest service center for a tire inspection or replacement.


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