Maintenance
Tire Care Guide: Rotation, Pressure & When to Replace
Tires are the only part of your vehicle touching the road, so caring for them is both a safety and a savings issue. A little routine attention adds thousands of miles and keeps you planted in Michigan weather.
Rotate your tires regularly
Rotating your tires every 5,000 to 8,000 miles (a good habit to pair with oil changes) evens out tread wear so all four wear at a similar rate. Skipping rotations leads to uneven wear, noise, and tires that need replacing far sooner.
On all-wheel-drive Fords, even tire wear is especially important — mismatched tread depths can stress the drivetrain.
Check your tire pressure and tread
Check pressure monthly and before long trips, when tires are cold. Correct pressure (found on the driver's door jamb sticker) improves fuel economy, handling, and tire life. Cold Michigan mornings can drop pressure enough to trigger the TPMS light.
Check tread with the penny test: insert a penny with Lincoln's head down — if you can see the top of his head, your tread is too low and it's time for new tires.
Winter and all-season tires in Michigan
All-season tires handle most Michigan conditions, but dedicated winter tires dramatically improve grip and stopping in snow and ice if you do a lot of cold-weather driving. Our Quick Lane and tire center can recommend and install the right set for how you drive.
Quick Tips
- Pair tire rotations with oil changes so you never forget.
- Set pressure to the door-jamb spec, not the number on the tire sidewall (that's the maximum).
- Replace tires in matched sets, especially on AWD vehicles, to protect the drivetrain.
Need this done right?
Our Ford-trained technicians use genuine OEM parts. Schedule service in Freeland — all makes welcome.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I rotate my tires?
Every 5,000–8,000 miles is a good rule — easiest if you do it with each oil change. It evens out wear and extends tire life.
What tire pressure should I use?
Use the pressure listed on the sticker inside your driver's door jamb, not the maximum printed on the tire sidewall. Check it cold for an accurate reading.
Do I need winter tires in Michigan?
All-season tires cover most conditions, but dedicated winter tires give noticeably better traction and braking in snow and ice if you drive often in harsh winter weather.