A tire record is useful only when it identifies each wheel position, compares cold pressure with the vehicle placard, and keeps tread, age, damage, leaks, and driving symptoms separate.
Use the vehicle placard, not the tire sidewall, for normal pressure
The vehicle manufacturer's recommended tire pressure is on the Tire and Loading Information label or in the owner's manual. The maximum value molded into a tire sidewall is not automatically the vehicle's normal inflation target. NHTSA recommends checking all tires, including the spare, at least monthly when cold—generally after the vehicle has been parked for at least three hours.
Create one row for every tire position
| Field | Record | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Identity | LF, RF, LR, RR, spare; brand, model, size | Prevents observations from being assigned to the wrong tire |
| Cold pressure | Date, time, gauge, observed PSI, placard PSI | Separates a measured condition from a dashboard warning |
| Tread | Inner, center, outer readings or indicator condition | Shows depth and uneven wear across the tire |
| Age | Complete DOT tire identification date code | Age can matter even when tread remains |
| Condition | Cut, crack, bulge, puncture, object, abrasion, leak | Flags damage for professional evaluation |
Know the immediate stop signs
Do not continue driving simply to reproduce a severe tire symptom. A visible bulge, exposed cord, rapidly falling pressure, major cut, separated tread, damaged wheel, repeated impact sound, or loss of control calls for a safe stop and appropriate assistance. Follow the vehicle and tire manufacturers' instructions for the actual condition.
Measure tread as a pattern
NHTSA states that tires should be replaced when tread is worn to 2/32 inch and describes built-in treadwear indicators and the penny test. Record multiple points across each tire because a single center reading can miss shoulder wear. Do not place hands around a tire on an unsafe roadside or while the vehicle can move.
- Both shoulders worn, center worn, one edge worn, cupping/scalloping, or isolated flat spot
- Steering pull, steering-wheel shake, seat vibration, noise, or pressure loss
- Recent curb or pothole impact, rotation, alignment, suspension, brake, or wheel work
- Load, towing, long storage, and repeated low-pressure history
Read age without inventing one universal cutoff
The last four digits of the DOT tire identification number show the week and year of manufacture. NHTSA notes that some vehicle and tire manufacturers recommend replacement at six to ten years regardless of tread. Use the owner's manual and tire manufacturer's current guidance for the installed product instead of treating one internet age as universal.
Bring the log to service
Send photos of the placard, full tire, tread pattern, damage, DOT code, and wheel position. Include measured cold pressures, leak timing, warning lights, recent impacts, vibration speed range, and service history. A technician can then inspect the tire, wheel, valve, balance, alignment, suspension, and other possible contributors without assuming that every wear pattern has one cause.
Helpful public references
- NHTSA TireWise — pressure, tread, aging, labeling, rotation, and replacement guidance.
- NHTSA summer driving and tire safety — road-trip inspection and tread guidance.
- FTC Auto Repair Basics — estimates, maintenance schedules, and repair records.