Everything You Need to Know About Your Tires
Tires are the only part of your Honda actually touching the road, so keeping them in good shape affects everything from fuel economy to how your vehicle handles in snow and rain. Below, our service team answers the tire questions we hear most often from Owatonna-area drivers.
How Often Should I Rotate My Tires?
Most manufacturers recommend rotating your tires every 5,000 to 7,500 miles, though the exact interval can depend on your specific Honda model and driving habits. Rotating your tires on a regular schedule helps them wear evenly, since the front and rear tires typically carry different amounts of weight and stress depending on whether your vehicle is front-wheel, all-wheel, or rear-wheel drive.
A good rule of thumb is to have your tires rotated at every other oil change. Our technicians will also check your tire pressure and inspect for uneven wear patterns during a rotation, which can be an early sign of an alignment issue.
How Do I Know When My Tires Need to Be Replaced?
The simplest way to check tread depth at home is the penny test. Insert a penny into the tread groove with Lincoln's head facing down. If you can see the top of his head, your tread has worn down to roughly 2/32 of an inch or less, which means it's time for new tires.
You should also watch for cracking in the sidewall, bulges or blisters, and any embedded debris such as nails or screws. If you notice vibration while driving or your vehicle pulling to one side, bring it in so our technicians can take a closer look.
What Does the Tire Pressure Warning Light Mean?
That horseshoe-shaped light on your dashboard means your Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) has detected that one or more of your tires is significantly under-inflated. Cold weather is a common trigger here in Minnesota, since tire pressure drops roughly 1 PSI for every 10-degree drop in temperature.
Check your tire pressure with a gauge as soon as it's convenient and compare it to the recommended PSI listed on the sticker inside your driver's door frame, not the number printed on the tire itself. If the light stays on after you've properly inflated all four tires, there may be a slow leak or a sensor issue worth having our team inspect.
How Do I Know If I Need an Alignment?
Signs you may need an alignment include your vehicle pulling to the left or right on a flat, straight road, a steering wheel that sits off-center while driving straight, or tires that show uneven wear on one edge more than the other. Hitting a significant pothole or curb can also throw your alignment off, even if nothing looks damaged on the surface.
An alignment keeps your tires wearing evenly and helps your Honda track straight and true, which matters both for tire life and for how confidently your vehicle handles.
Quick Tire Care Checklist
- Check tire pressure monthly, including the spare
- Rotate tires every 5,000 to 7,500 miles
- Inspect tread depth with the penny test each season
- Watch for cracking, bulges, or embedded debris
- Schedule an alignment check if you notice pulling or uneven wear
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I rotate my tires?
Most Honda owners should rotate their tires every 5,000 to 7,500 miles, or roughly every other oil change, to promote even wear across all four tires.
How do I check my tire tread depth?
Insert a penny into the tread groove with Lincoln's head facing down. If you can see the top of his head, your tread is at or below 2/32 of an inch and it's time to consider replacement.
Why is my tire pressure light on?
The TPMS light means one or more tires has dropped below the recommended pressure. Check all four tires against the PSI listed on the driver's door jamb sticker, especially during cold weather.
What is the correct tire pressure for my Honda?
The correct pressure is listed on the sticker inside your driver's door frame, not on the tire sidewall. Our service team can check and set your tires to the manufacturer-recommended pressure at any visit.
How do I know if I need a wheel alignment?
Watch for your vehicle pulling to one side, an off-center steering wheel while driving straight, or uneven tread wear. Hitting a pothole or curb can also affect your alignment.
Can I schedule tire service online at Marthaler Honda of Owatonna?
Yes. Use our online scheduling tool to book a tire rotation, inspection, alignment check, or any other service appointment at a time that works for you.
| Day | Open | Closed |
|---|---|---|
| Monday | 8:00AM | 6:00PM |
| Tuesday | 8:00AM | 6:00PM |
| Wednesday | 8:00AM | 6:00PM |
| Thursday | 8:00AM | 6:00PM |
| Friday | 8:00AM | 5:00PM |
| Saturday | 8:00AM | 5:00PM |
| Sunday | Closed | Closed |
| Day | Open | Closed |
|---|---|---|
| Monday | 8:00AM | 5:00PM |
| Tuesday | 8:00AM | 5:00PM |
| Wednesday | 8:00AM | 5:00PM |
| Thursday | 8:00AM | 5:00PM |
| Friday | 8:00AM | 5:00PM |
| Saturday | Closed | Closed |
| Sunday | Closed | Closed |
| Day | Open | Closed |
|---|---|---|
| Monday | 8:00AM | 5:00PM |
| Tuesday | 8:00AM | 5:00PM |
| Wednesday | 8:00AM | 5:00PM |
| Thursday | 8:00AM | 5:00PM |
| Friday | 8:00AM | 5:00PM |
| Saturday | Closed | Closed |
| Sunday | Closed | Closed |
| Day | Open | Closed |
|---|---|---|
| Monday | 8:00AM | 5:00PM |
| Tuesday | 8:00AM | 5:00PM |
| Wednesday | 8:00AM | 5:00PM |
| Thursday | 8:00AM | 5:00PM |
| Friday | 8:00AM | 5:00PM |
| Saturday | Closed | Closed |
| Sunday | Closed | Closed |
| Department | Number |
|---|---|
| Call Us | 507-373-2341 |