Why do tires only last 30,000 miles on my Prizm?

Small cars, like the Prizm, are very hard on tires. The front wheel drive and demands of the roads of where you live can affect longevity of tire wear. Tire rotation every 5,000 miles is absolutely vital in obtaining the best tire life. Also, even the slightest wheel alignment issue will cause abnormal wear and shorten the tread life. Last, proper inflation pressure is essential. Follow the plackard on the drivers door area for the proper tire air pressure when the tires are cold. Under-inflated tires cause excessive heat build up in the tires, which causes additional wear. Over-inflated tires causes improper tread contact with the road, and can worsen tire life.