Your tires are your vehicle’s first line of defense on the road—and your safety depends on keeping them in top shape. If your tires need attention and you ignore the warning signs, you could be facing more than just a bumpy ride. Whether you’re hauling a load, road-tripping across Iowa, or heading to the next county, staying on top of tire care is essential to avoid bigger issues down the road.
At Waspy’s Tire & Service Center in Audubon, Iowa, we’re here to keep you safe—and rolling smoothly.

1. Check Your Tread: The Penny Test
An easy way to check your tread depth is with a simple penny. Stick it into your tire’s groove with Lincoln’s head facing down. If you can see all of his head, it’s time to replace those tires. Good tread is essential for grip—especially on wet, icy, or gravel roads.
Most tires last 60,000 to 75,000 miles, or about 4–5 years depending on your driving habits. But regular inspections are key.
2. Uneven Wear? You Might Need a Tire Rotation
Tires don’t wear evenly on their own. That’s why rotating them every 5,000 to 7,000 miles is one of the easiest ways to extend their life.
If one tire looks more worn than the others, or you haven’t rotated them in a while, bring your vehicle to Waspy’s for a quick checkup.
3. Vehicle Pulling to One Side? Time for an Alignment
Does your vehicle drift left or right when your hands are off the wheel? That could be a sign of alignment issues.
Proper alignment:
- Helps your vehicle drive straight
- Reduces wear on your tires
- Improves fuel efficiency
4. Feeling Vibrations or Poor Fuel Mileage?
That could be a sign your tires are out of balance. Tire balancing ensures the weight of your tires and wheels is distributed evenly. If you notice:
- Excessive vibration at highway speeds
- Uneven tire tread
- Poor fuel economy

5. Tires Going Bald Faster Than They Should?
You could be overdue for a new set, or something may be off with your suspension or alignment. Either way, we’ve got a wide variety of tires in stock, and if we don’t have what your vehicle needs, we’ll get it—usually within one business day.
Full-Service Tire Help, Right in Audubon
Waspy’s Tire & Service Center is part of the Waspy’s Truck Stop Complex, located in Audubon, Iowa. We’re more than just tires—we offer:
Whether you’re a local or just passing through, Waspy’s is your one-stop solution for trusted tire service and more. Schedule your appointment today!
Categorized in: Audubon Iowa Location, Waspy's Grab and Go, Waspy's Truck Wash
This post was written by Waspy's Truck Stop