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Tire Safety: How to Maintain, Inspect, and Care for Your Tires

Your car's safety depends on your tires, which must be properly maintained in order for them to perform as intended. Treadwear, load limitations, inflation pressure, and installation are some of the variables that might affect the longevity and reliability of tires. By following specified safety rules and doing routine maintenance, drivers can reduce their risk of tire issues and be prepared for the road ahead.
    • 17/03/2025 -  Updated on 06/07/2026

Proper Tire Handling and Installation Safety

Safe tire mounting and optimal performance are ensured by proper tire handling and installation. Tires should only be mounted or demounted by qualified experts since incorrect methods can harm the tire or result in bead-seating failures during inflation.

  • Before installation, always make sure the rim and tire diameters match.

  • To ensure appropriate seating, clean and lubricate the rim surfaces and beads.

  • Make use of authorized tools like an inflatable cage or other form of restraint.

  • When trying to seat the beads, never go over 40 psi (280 kPa).


Tires that are accidentally placed on the wrong rim should be removed from use rather than remounted since internal damage may not be visible. These steps reduce the risk of damage and maintain the structural integrity of the tire.

Rules for Speed-Rated Tire Inspections and Load Limits

Each tire is made to function within a certain range of loads and speeds. Tire failure, severe heat accumulation, or early damage might result from exceeding these limitations.

Load Limits

  • Never exceed the load capacity molded on the tire sidewall or shown on the vehicle’s tire placard, whichever is lower.

  • Overloading can significantly increase internal temperature and may cause structural damage.

Speed-Rated Tire Care

Speed-rated tires are engineered to handle higher speeds when properly inflated and loaded. To maintain their capability:

  • Follow recommended inspection procedures to identify internal or external damage.

  • Speed-rated tires may be repaired, but only within strict industry limits (e.g., punctures ¼ inch or smaller, spaced appropriately, and performed by trained technicians).

  • Original equipment speed-rated tires should be replaced with tires of an equal or higher rating to maintain the vehicle’s designed speed capability.


These checks help ensure your tires continue to perform safely under varying driving conditions.

Best Practices for Safe Inflation to Prevent Blowouts

One of the most crucial things a driver can do to support tire longevity and safety is to maintain appropriate inflation pressure. The likelihood of a blowout can be raised by both under- and over-inflation.

Safe Inflation Guidelines

  • Before long excursions and at least once a month, check the tire pressure.

  • When tires are cold, that is, after being parked for at least three hours or driven less than two kilometers, you should always check the pressure.

  • Use a trustworthy gauge and adhere to the recommended pressure shown on the owner's handbook or tire placard for the car.

  • Readings will be inaccurate if you bleed air from a heated tire.

  • Under-inflation can result in interior damage because it increases flexing and heat buildup.

  • Overinflation can decrease traction and increase a tire's susceptibility to impact damage.


Maintaining correct inflation helps prevent heat buildup and reduces the risk of sudden tire failure.

FAQ

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Tire Safety Information and Best Practices

According to Michelin safety guidelines and vehicle manufacturer recommendations, tire pressure should be checked at least once a month and before extended driving. Pressure should be measured when tires are cold, after the vehicle has been parked for at least three hours or driven less than 2 km.

Under-inflation can cause excessive flexing and heat buildup, which may lead to internal tire damage or failure. Over-inflation can increase susceptibility to impact damage and may affect vehicle handling and traction.

Improper tire mounting or inflation procedures can cause bead seating failures and, in some cases, explosive force during inflation. Michelin safety guidelines recommend that tire mounting and demounting be performed only by trained professionals using approved equipment and procedures.

Most passenger vehicle tires should be replaced when tread depth reaches 2/32 inch (1.6 mm), as indicated by treadwear indicators. Using tires below this level increases the risk of reduced traction and tire damage.

Impacts from potholes, curbs, or road debris may cause internal tire damage that is not visible externally. Michelin safety guidelines recommend that tires experiencing a significant impact be inspected by a trained tire professional, which may require demounting the tire.

Tire Registration

Make sure your tires are registered to receive direct notification in the event of a safety-related recall.

REGISTER YOUR TIRES
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FAQ

Read our Frequently Asked Questions.

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A safe tire checks four boxes: adequate tread depth (above 2/32", ideally above 4/32" for winter use), correct inflation pressure, no visible damage (cuts, bulges, cracking, or exposed cords), and an age of under 10 years. Perform a quick visual inspection monthly and check tire pressure at the same time—before a long trip at minimum. If you see a sidewall bulge, a nail in the tread, or any cracking at the base of the grooves, get the tire inspected by a professional before driving further.

  • Chronic underinflation, which causes heat buildup and internal structural damage over time 

  • Impact damage from potholes or curbs, which can break internal cords without leaving obvious external marks 

  • Tread wear past the safe minimum 

Overloading a vehicle beyond the tire's load rating is also a significant risk, as is mixing tire types or sizes, which can cause handling instability. 

Yes, and it's easy to overlook. Registering your tires with the manufacturer means you'll be notified directly if there's ever a safety recall. Without registration, you'd have to discover a recall on your own—which doesn't always happen in time. Michelin offers tire registration through its website and encourages all customers to register new tires at the time of purchase. 

In Ontario, studded tires are only permitted for vehicles registered in northern Ontario's specified zones, and only during winter months. They're prohibited for most southern Ontario drivers. In Quebec, studded tires are permitted between October 15 and May 1 for passenger vehicles. Regulations vary by province, so check your local transport authority's rules before installing studded tires. Most Canadian drivers find that high-quality non-studded winter tires (like Michelin's X-Ice series) deliver excellent ice and snow traction without the legal and road-surface complications of studs. 

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