Wheel & Tire Maintenance
- Trident Motorsports
- Jan 3
- 7 min read
Updated: May 26
Austin's #1 OffRoad / 4x4 Shop
Proper tire maintenance is essential for your safety and to extend the life of your tires. This guide covers the basics, including how to find your ideal PSI for both highway and off-road driving, recommended tire rotation patterns, and the correct torque settings for your lug nuts.
Have questions? Need advice? Request-A-Quote to have one of our automotive customization experts contact you to help guide you through this process.
Disclaimer: This guide is not intended to supersede any OEM guidelines or wheel/tire manufacturer instructions.
Contents
Tire Pressure
Importance of Proper PSI
Maintaining the correct tire pressure is crucial for both safety and tire longevity. Under-inflated tires generate excessive heat and friction, especially on long highway drives, increasing the risk of tire failure and causing premature wear on the outer edges. Over-inflated tires are more prone to blowouts and will wear out faster in the center tread. Properly inflated tires ensure even road contact, maximize traction, and promote uniform wear, giving you the best performance and lifespan from your tires.
OE Tire and Loading Information
Your vehicle’s original Tire and Loading Information plate (usually found on the driver-side door frame or in the glove box) provides the manufacturer’s recommended PSI for factory tires. However, if you upgrade to larger or more aggressive off-road tires, these recommendations may no longer be ideal due to differences in tire size and construction. Use the OE plate as a starting point, but be prepared to adjust for your new tires.
PSI for Highway Driving & Off-Roading
Always check and adjust tire pressure when the tires are “cold” (before you’ve driven more than a mile), as driving heats up the tires and temporarily increases PSI. Inflating tires while they’re warm can lead to under-inflation once they cool down.
Highway Driving
For larger, hybrid (mud/all-terrain) tires, most off-road shops recommend starting around 45 PSI for highway use. The goal is to find a PSI that provides the ideal balance of even tread wear and optimal road grip, while also maximizing your ride qualty. Remember, the maximum PSI listed on the tire sidewall is for maximum load, not everyday driving. Use a PSI calculator or consult a tire professional to find the best pressure for your setup.
Off-Roading
When off-roading, many drivers air down their tires to increase traction, improve ride quality, and reduce the risk of punctures. A common starting point is to reduce tire pressure by about 25% from your highway PSI, often bringing it down to around 20 PSI. For more extreme terrain or rock crawling, you may go even lower, but be cautious—lower pressures increase the risk of the tire coming off the wheel. Always re-inflate your tires to proper highway PSI before returning to paved roads. When in doubt, consult an off-road specialist for guidance.
PSI Calculator
Disclaimer: This calculator uses a formula provided by Motor Trend and is intended as a general recommendation for most off-road, DOT-approved tires (All Terrain, Hybrid, Mud Terrain, etc.). It is not an absolute rule—always follow your tire manufacturer’s maximum load and PSI limits, and never exceed these values.
Important Notes
This calculator is designed for single rear wheel (SRW) vehicles only. Do not use for dual rear wheel (DRW/dually) setups.
The “Estimated Minimum Off-Road PSI” provided by this calculator will not go below 20 PSI, even though some non-DOT off-road tires may be safely run at lower pressures. Always defer to your tire manufacturer’s guidelines for specific cases.
Tire size, brand, and model can significantly affect optimal PSI. Always confirm your tire’s maximum load rating and pressure before using this calculator.
Always measure and adjust tire pressure when tires are “cold” for the most accurate results.
How It Works
For highway driving, the calculator helps estimate a PSI that balances even tread wear, traction, and ride quality for larger off-road tires, which often require different pressures than the original equipment tires listed on your vehicle’s door sticker.
For off-roading, it suggests a starting point for “airing down” (typically 25% less than your highway PSI, but not below 20 PSI), which improves traction and ride comfort at low speeds on rough terrain.
Example PSI Chart
This chart assumes the use of a Nitto Ridge Grappler tire, in the following 3 sizes.
33x12.50R20, which has a maximum load of 3,000 lbs @ 80 PSI*
35x12.50R20, which has a maximum load of 3,640 lbs @ 80 PSI*
37x12.50R20, which has a maximum load of 3,750 lbs @ 65 PSI*
YMM | Est. Curb Weight Range* | Est. Weight At Axle** | Highway PSI* NRG 33x12.50R20 | Highway PSI* NRG 35x12.50R20 | Highway PSI* NRG 37x12.50R20 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
2021-2025 F-150 | 4,021 - 5,740 lbs | 2,940 lbs | 47 | 39 | 35 |
2017-2025 F-250 | 5,677 - 7,538 lbs | 3,803 lbs | 61 | 50 | 40 |
2019-2025 GM 1500 | 4,400 - 5,620 lbs | 2,755 lbs | 44 | 36 | 35 |
2020-2025 GM 2500 | 6,105 - 6,950 lbs | 3,513 lbs | 56 | 46 | 37 |
* Different tire brands, models and sizes (including diameter, width and rim size) will have considerably different maximum loads and maximum PSIs, and thus very different recommended PSIs. Always consult your tire manufacturer's website to determine the maximum load rating for your exact tire before calculating the recommended PSI for your tire.
** For simplicity, this chart assumes an equal weight distribution at each axle. If not towing/hauling, the front axle of the truck will typically carry more weight than the rear axle due to the weight of the engine. If towing/hauling, the rear may carry more weight than the front. This chart considers the average curb weight of each YMM (including full tank of fuel), plus 1,000 lbs of persons/cargo, equally distributed among each axle. Your calculations may vary depending upon your sub-model/trim package and other specifications. This is only a sample table. Your vehicle weight, tire specifications and desired ride quality should ultimately determine your ideal PSI .
Tire Rotation
A good rule of thumb is to rotate your tires every time you change your oil, so roughly every 5,000-10,000 miles (at a minimum). This will help ensure your tires wear evenly and maximize the life of your tires.
When rotating tires, it is best to follow the same pattern each time. Here are our recommended tire rotation patterns for each tire configuration.
Proper Torque
When tightening your lug nuts, it is critical to use the proper torque and the proper technique. Under tightening your lug nuts could result in a wheel becoming loose, causing severe shaking or even loss of the wheel. Over torquing your lug nuts could damage the wheel stud, making the lug nuts difficult to remove or even requiring the replacement of the studs. Normal torque for lug nuts is between 75 to 100 foot-pounds (lb-ft). The exact number is based upon your lug size and should be indicated in your vehicle's owner manual. Use the chart below as a quick reference, but ultimately refer to the manufacturer's guidance for your particular YMM.
Lug Size | Usual Torque Range (ft-lbs) | Minimum Turns For Proper Thread Engagement |
|---|---|---|
M12x1.25 | 70-80 | 8 |
M12x1.50 | 70-80 | 6.5 |
M14x1.25 | 85-90 | 9 |
M14x1.50 | 85-90 | 7.5 |
1/2-20 | 75-85 | 8 |
Technique
To ensure the wheel’s center bore is properly seated and centered on the hub, always tighten your lug nuts in a star pattern. Start by hand-tightening each lug nut with a wrench, then use a torque wrench to tighten them to the manufacturer’s specified torque. Avoid using an impact wrench for final tightening, as it cannot guarantee accurate or consistent torque.
Re-Torquing Your Lug Nuts
Within about 50–100 miles after installing or rotating your wheels, it’s important to re-torque your lug nuts. As you drive, the lug nuts can settle under the weight of the vehicle and from impacts with potholes or rough roads. Re-torquing ensures the lug nuts remain properly tightened, preventing them from loosening due to road vibrations and reducing the risk of losing a wheel while driving.
When to Replace Your Tires
Tread Depth
According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, tires should be replaced when tread depth reaches 2/32" (1.6 mm), which is also the legal minimum in many states. However, for increased safety—especially in wet conditions—many experts recommend replacing tires at 4/32" tread depth. As tread wears down, stopping distances increase and grip decreases, raising the risk of hydroplaning and loss of control.
You can check tread depth using the penny test: insert a penny (head down) into the tread grooves. If you can see the top of Lincoln’s head, your tread is at or below 2/32" and the tire should be replaced. Most tires also have tread wear indicator bars molded into the grooves; when the tread wears down to the level of these bars, it’s time for new tires.
Other Signs
Sidewall damage: Punctures, cuts, bulges, or bubbles in the sidewall cannot be safely repaired and require immediate replacement.
Tires that cannot be balanced: If your vehicle shakes at high speeds and rebalancing doesn’t help, the tire may be out-of-round or structurally compromised.
Visible damage: Cracks, severe discoloration, exposed cords, or separated tread all indicate it’s time to replace the tire.
Replacing Only Two Tires
If you’re only replacing two tires, always install the new tires on the rear axle—regardless of whether your vehicle is front-, rear-, or all-wheel drive. Newer tires on the rear provide better traction and stability, especially in wet conditions, and reduce the risk of dangerous oversteer or fishtailing. Worn rear tires can lose grip more easily, making the vehicle harder to control if the rear hydroplanes or slides.
Tire Protection Plan
For detailed information about our Tire Protection Plan—including important terms, coverage highlights, and a tire replacement cost calculator—please visit our Tire Protection Plan page. This plan is designed to give you peace of mind against costly tire replacements, covering roadside assistance, towing, tire repair, and tire replacement due to road hazards.
Get Expert Assistance
Wheels and tires can be complicated. Mistakes can be costly. We highly recommend consulting an expert before purchasing or installing any wheels and tires.
Live in Austin, Round Rock, Georgetown, Cedar Park, Leander, Lago Vista, Marble Falls or surrounding areas? We're happy to answer any questions and provide a quote. Request-A-Quote to have one of our Automotive Customization Experts contact you.
