Tire Care and Repair

Why does tire pressure matter?

Too little pressure flexes sidewalls and builds heat, while too much reduces traction and gives a hard ride. The right pressure depends on the tire, the load and the job, so use the maker's tables or ask a tire dealer. Pressure that suits road transport may not suit field work. Keep a record of the pressures you use for each job, so you can return to them quickly.

Check pressure with a good gauge when tires are cold. Check them at least seasonally and before heavy jobs. Valve caps keep dirt out of the valve.

Do not rely on looks. A tire can look fine and be several pounds low.

• Check cold, with a reliable gauge
• Adjust for load and task
• Replace missing valve caps
• Check duals together

What should you look for in a tire inspection?

Walk around each tire. Look for cuts, cracks, bulges, exposed cords, uneven wear and embedded objects. Sidewall damage is serious. A bulge means the tire's inner structure is failing, and it should be replaced. Take time to check the inside sidewalls and the backs of duals, where damage hides.

Check lug nuts and wheel bolts for tightness and rust. Look at rims for dents and cracks. Keep children and bystanders away from any tire you think is damaged.

Mark a tire with chalk when you spot damage, so others know to avoid it until it is inspected.

• Cuts and cracks
• Bulges and exposed cords
• Uneven wear
• Loose lug nuts

Is ballast safe and how does it work?

Ballast, such as water, wheel weights or other weight, improves traction and stability on tractors. Adding or removing ballast changes handling and can affect rollover risk. Follow the manual on ballast type, amount and where it goes.

Some liquids freeze or corrode rims. Ask a tire dealer about what suits your climate. Do not guess, and do not add weight beyond what the machine is rated for.

Keep weights and rim guards in good shape, and make sure they are properly secured.

• Follow the manual on ballast
• Mind freezing and corrosion
• Do not exceed ratings
• Ask a dealer for advice

Can you repair a tire yourself?

Tire repair and mounting carry real risk. A tire under pressure can burst or throw a rim part with great force. Have a trained tire shop mount, dismount and repair large tires and anything on split rims or multi-piece wheels. A tire that bursts during inflation can seriously injure or kill, so treat any inflation job as hazardous work and use a cage or restraint when the shop does.

Small puncture patches on some tires are possible, but the repair depends on the location and damage. Sidewall damage is generally not suited to repair. Ask a tire dealer what is safe for your tire.

If you do repair a flat in the field, use only approved methods, and have the tire checked afterward.

• Never stand in front of a tire being inflated
• Use a clip-on chuck and a long hose
• Do not weld or heat a rim with a tire on it
• Let a shop handle large and split rims

How do you reduce wear and field damage?

Avoid spinning wheels, turning sharply on pavement and driving over sharp stubble or fence wire at speed. Match tire width and pressure to the soil to reduce compaction. Keep tires clean of fertilizer and chemical residue, which can break down rubber. Compare wear between left and right tires and between front and rear, since a difference points to alignment or pressure problems.

Balance duals and matched sets, and keep an eye on alignment. Uneven wear tells you something is off.

Rotate tires when appropriate to even out wear, and keep tread free of packed mud.

• Avoid wheel spin
• Match pressure to soil
• Clean off chemicals
• Check alignment and balance

How should you store and plan for replacement?

Store tires and machines out of direct sun, away from ozone sources like electric motors, and off the ground when possible. Keep pressure up if the manual suggests it. Take weight off if you can do it safely with proper stands.

Plan replacements before a busy season. Keep notes on tire size, age and pressure. If you buy used tires, check the date code and condition, and ask a dealer to inspect them.

Mark the date on stored tires, and rotate the stock so older ones are used first.

• Shade and cover
• Off the ground
• Note size and age
• Plan replacements early

Last reviewed: November 12, 2026. Written by the Rural Farm Life Editorial Team. See our editorial policy.