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Your tires are the only part of your vehicle that touch the road, so their condition plays a huge role in your safety, especially during a long drive. Whether heading out of town for a family vacation or planning a summer weekend getaway, checking your tires before a road trip is one of the most important steps to protect yourself, your passengers, and your vehicle.
A blown tire, poor traction, or uneven wear can turn your trip into an unexpected pit stop, or worse, a roadside emergency. That’s why tire maintenance should always be part of your pre-trip checklist. At McCullough NAPA Auto Care in Sandy Springs, Georgia, we help drivers make sure their tires are ready for the road with professional inspections, repairs, and replacements when needed.
What to Check Before You Go
It’s not enough to glance at your tires before heading out. Several key factors determine whether your tires are ready for a long drive. Here’s what to look for, and why each is important.
Tire Pressure
Proper inflation is essential. Underinflated tires create more rolling resistance, which not only reduces fuel efficiency but can also cause the tires to overheat, especially at highway speeds in summer weather. Overinflation, on the other hand, can make the tire more prone to damage from potholes and road debris.
Even a few pounds of pressure below the recommended PSI can lead to premature tire wear, poor handling, and increased blowout risk. We recommend checking your tire pressure before any extended trip, including the spare.
Tread Depth
Tire tread helps your vehicle maintain traction, especially in wet weather. If the tread is too low, it increases your stopping distance and makes hydroplaning much more likely. The penny test is a quick way to check: insert a penny with Lincoln’s head down into the tread. If you can see all of his head, your tread is too low, and the tire needs to be replaced.
For long drives or trips through rain-prone areas, it’s best to have your tread evaluated professionally to ensure you won’t be caught off guard in slick conditions.
Uneven Wear
Tires should wear down evenly across the surface. If you notice more wear on one side, in the center, or edges, it could signal problems like misalignment, improper inflation, or worn suspension components. Uneven wear shortens the tire’s life and compromises your car’s ability to brake and steer properly – two things you don’t want to deal with on a crowded interstate or winding mountain road.
If uneven wear is spotted, McCullough NAPA can help correct the root cause, whether it’s through a tire rotation, alignment, or additional repairs.
Cracks, Bulges, or Visible Damage
Look for sidewall cracks, dry rot, or bulges, especially near the rim or along the outer edge of the tire. These are signs that the tire’s structural integrity is compromised, increasing the risk of a blowout. Long highway drives can generate more heat and pressure than city driving, making weak spots more likely to fail. If you see any suspicious damage, it’s better to replace the tire than risk driving on it.
Tire Age
Even if your tires look fine, age can be a hidden hazard. Rubber breaks down over time, especially in warmer climates. If your tires are more than six years old, even with decent tread, they may be past their safe lifespan. You can check the DOT code on the sidewall to find the manufacturing date.
The McCullough NAPA team can help evaluate the visible condition and the age of your tires to determine if they’re safe for long-distance travel.
Don’t Forget the Spare Tire
Your spare tire is your emergency backup, and it’s useless if it’s flat, missing, or dry-rotted. Before you leave, check the spare’s air pressure and make sure you have the jack, lug wrench, and tools needed to install it if necessary.
Some newer cars come with space-saver or “donut” spares that are only designed for short-distance use. If your car doesn’t have a full-size spare, consider whether that’s appropriate for your road trip, especially if you’ll be driving in remote areas.
McCullough NAPA Auto Care Can Help
Preparing your vehicle for a long trip goes beyond checking fluids and packing snacks – your tires need attention, too. That’s why McCullough NAPA Auto Care offers a complimentary multi-point inspection with qualifying services, such as oil changes, brake service, and scheduled maintenance.
When you bring your vehicle in, we’ll inspect:
Tire pressure and tread depth
Signs of uneven wear or sidewall damage
Alignment concerns or rotation needs
Fluid levels, battery condition, and air filters
Wiper blades, headlights, brake lights, and more
Our ASE Certified technicians can rotate your tires, check alignment, or replace tires that aren’t up to the task. We’ll help ensure your entire vehicle, not just the tires, is road-trip ready.
Schedule Your Pre-Trip Tire Check Today
Don’t let tire trouble ruin your plans. Whether driving a family SUV, a daily commuter, or a weekend road-tripper, getting your tires checked before a long trip is a simple step that can save you time, money, and frustration.
FAQ About Checking Your Tires Before Your Road Trip
Yes, if your tires are underinflated, it’s important to bring them up to the recommended PSI before your trip. Proper inflation improves fuel efficiency, reduces tire wear, and helps prevent blowouts on the highway.
Tires affect nearly every aspect of your vehicle’s performance, from braking and steering to fuel economy and safety. Checking them before driving, especially on a road trip, can prevent unexpected issues and ensure your car handles properly.
Before a long trip, you should check your tire pressure, tread depth, oil level, brake condition, battery strength, fluid levels, lights, and wipers. A multi-point inspection from a professional shop like McCullough NAPA can cover all of these.
Use a pressure gauge to check each tire’s PSI, inspect the tread using the penny test, and look for any sidewall damage or bulges. If anything seems off, or if you’re unsure, have your tires professionally inspected at McCullough NAPA.
Tires lose pressure slowly over time, even without a leak. You should check and fill your tires at least once a month, but always before a long trip. Driving on underinflated tires for extended periods increases the risk of blowouts and uneven wear.
