What Should You Look for When Checking Your Tires Before Driving?

A tire inspection is one of the simplest habits a new driver can build. It begins with a quick look during the pre-drive walk-around and includes regular pressure and tread checks to catch problems that are not obvious from a glance.

Quick answer: Before driving, look at all four tires for an obviously low or flat tire, cuts, bulges, cracks, exposed cords, objects stuck in the tread, and unusual or excessive tread wear. If anything looks wrong, stop and investigate before driving. At least monthly, measure cold tire pressure with a gauge and compare it with the vehicle's doorjamb label or owner's manual—not the maximum pressure printed on the tire.

A beginner's tire-inspection checklist

Overall appearance: Does any tire look noticeably lower than the others or visibly flat?
Sidewalls: Watch for bulges, deep cuts, large cracks, exposed cords or other damage.
Tread: Look for unusually worn areas, treadwear indicators level with the tread, and embedded objects such as nails.
Valve stems: Check for obvious cracks or damage around the valve area.
Pressure: Check all tires with a gauge at least once a month, before long trips, or whenever a tire looks low.
Dashboard warning: Investigate any tire-pressure monitoring system (TPMS) warning before continuing normal driving.

How to check tires before getting into your vehicle

Walk around the parked vehicle. Look at all four tires from a safe position, especially the portions facing outward. Make sure the vehicle is secure before inspecting.
Compare the tires. If one looks low, flattened, or different from the others, use a pressure gauge rather than relying on appearance alone.
Check sidewalls and visible tread. Notice bulges, cuts, exposed material, cracked rubber, nails, uneven wear, or tread that looks extremely shallow. Never put your hands beneath an unsecured vehicle.
Check cold inflation pressure regularly. Use the recommended PSI on the driver's doorjamb label or in the owner's manual. Check when the vehicle has been parked for at least three hours whenever possible.
Consider anything unusual. If the car has recently struck a pothole or curb, loses pressure repeatedly, or develops vibration or a new sound, arrange professional inspection.
Make a safe decision. If you find a severely damaged, flat, or otherwise unsafe tire, do not start a normal trip. Arrange repair or roadside assistance as appropriate.

Why is correct tire pressure important?

Tire inflation affects steering response, braking, grip, tire life and fuel use. Driving on a significantly underinflated tire can create excessive heat and increase the chance of failure. An overinflated tire can also affect handling and wear. The normal inflation target is the vehicle manufacturer's recommended cold PSI, printed on the Tire and Loading Information label or in the owner's manual; the PSI on the tire sidewall is generally a maximum, not the daily target.

Even if a tire appears normal, it may be underinflated. NHTSA recommends measuring pressure with a gauge at least once a month, including the spare when present, and before longer trips.

How do you check tire tread safely?

Healthy tread helps channel water and maintain traction. Inspect for uneven wear and check whether the tread surface is level with the built-in treadwear indicator bars. You can also measure tread depth using an inexpensive tread-depth gauge. NHTSA says tires should be replaced when tread reaches 2/32 of an inch; worn tires may lose wet-weather traction well before conditions become visibly severe.

Excessive wear on one side, in the center, or on the edges can suggest inflation or alignment problems. Have a tire professional inspect these patterns rather than guessing at the cause.

When should you avoid driving on a tire?

Do not continue normal driving if you discover a flat tire, sidewall bulge, exposed cords, significant cut, or other severe damage. If you find an embedded object or notice that a tire cannot hold pressure, have it inspected promptly. A tire-pressure warning that appears while driving also deserves immediate attention: slow down, avoid abrupt maneuvers, and pull over safely to assess the problem.

Does the tire-pressure warning system do the inspection for you?

No. A tire-pressure monitoring system can alert you to significantly low pressure, but it does not measure tread depth or tell you about many types of physical tire damage. Make the visual inspection part of the quick walk-around, and use a tire gauge for routine maintenance.

How does this fit into NDT's beginner driving lessons?

National Driver Training's Level One behind-the-wheel training introduces the habit of checking the vehicle and its surroundings before a trip. Tires are one important part of that broader routine, which also includes looking for leaks, nearby obstacles, and possible hazards. For the complete sequence, see What Should You Check Before Getting Into Your Vehicle? and Why Should You Walk Around Your Vehicle Before Every Drive?

Build Safe Driving Habits with National Driver Training

Practice vehicle inspections and other essential beginner driving skills as part of a structured driver education program. Explore NDT's available courses and choose the appropriate program for your state and age.

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Frequently asked questions about checking your tires

How often should new drivers check their tires?

Look for obvious problems during the quick walk-around before each drive. At least once a month and before long trips, use a tire gauge to check cold inflation pressure and inspect tread and visible damage.

Can you tell whether a tire has the correct pressure just by looking?

No. A tire can be significantly underinflated without appearing flat. Use a reliable tire-pressure gauge and compare the reading with the vehicle manufacturer’s recommended cold pressure.

Where can you find the correct tire pressure for your car?

Look for the Tire and Loading Information label on the driver-side door edge or doorjamb, or consult the owner’s manual. Do not use the maximum pressure molded into the tire sidewall as your normal target.

How can you tell when tire tread is too worn?

Check the built-in treadwear indicator bars or measure tread depth. NHTSA says tires should be replaced when tread reaches 2/32 inch; more tread may be needed for effective wet- or snow-road traction.

Are tire bulges, deep cuts, or exposed cords safe to drive on?

No. A bulge, exposed cord, significant cut, or other serious damage may indicate a tire at risk of failure. Do not continue normal driving on a visibly damaged tire; arrange a safe inspection or assistance.

Does a tire-pressure warning light replace regular tire checks?

No. Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems can warn of significant underinflation, but they do not replace routine pressure-gauge readings or visual checks for wear and damage.

Related driving knowledge resources

Sources and further reading

Published October 29, 2026. General educational information; always follow your vehicle owner's manual and consult a qualified tire professional if you find damage.