Tires are an extremely important part of a vehicle. No matter how careful you are on the road, your tires will inevitably get old and worn down. Because tire failures can be disastrous, it’s essential to check your tires on a regular basis and see how they’re doing. While a mechanic can take a look at your tires periodically, it’s better if you know how to determine whether or not it’s time to get them replaced.
How to know when to replace tires?
Find out if your tires are still in good shape or if they require replacement with the following warning signs.
Low tread
Tires with low tread can be dangerous. They can lead to major accidents because they reduce the ability for your tires to grab traction while driving. Low tread tires are also more likely to burst in the middle of the road. Because they can be a safety hazard, be sure to check the tread depth of your tires periodically.
The tread on your tires should never be below 1.6 millimeters in depth. While professionals have an accurate way to measure tread depth, there’s an old trick you can use to monitor your tires for tread wear.
Just take a penny and insert it with Abraham Lincoln’s head down into the tread. You would know you don’t have enough tread if the entire head remains visible. Then it’s time have your tires replaced.
Flat tires
It isn’t surprising for some tires to lose a little bit of air. A tire that has gone flat at least once or twice does not necessarily require a replacement. However, if you’re experiencing flat tires regularly, then it’s an entirely different story. It means that your tires can’t hold an adequate amount of air, thus, the need for replacement.
It would also be a good idea to have your rims checked if you get flat tires on a regular basis. There is a possibility of the wheels being bent leading to a leaking seal in the inner tire.
Cracks around the sidewall
Some tire problems are not only found on the tread, but also in the sidewall. The longer the tires are used, the more beating they get. This will cause cracks to develop. Cracks are one of the most ignored tire problems. However, they will eventually cover the entire surface of the tire after a while. Before things get worse, be sure to have your tires replaced as soon as cracks start to look serious meaning, they are longer and wider.
Tire bulges and blisters
Tire bulges and blisters are issues that mean immediate replacement. These bulges or blisters are a result of the tire’s outer surface beginning to weaken. More often than not, they can lead to a sudden blowout. That’s the last thing you’ll want to happen when running on the freeway.
Be sure to pay attention to those bulges and blisters and have the tires replaced when necessary.
Bad mileage
Did you know that worn out tires can cause bad mileage? It is happening and it’s a lot worse than you would imagine. If your tires are a little low on air, your vehicle might only be getting about 25 mpg compared to a car with fully inflated tires.
It’s also hard to tell whether or not your tires are low on air unless you check them with a gauge. Be sure to have them monitored closely to find out when it’s time for new tires.
Too much vibration
Too much vibration may also be an indication that your tires need replacement. There are a number of possible reasons why this happens. It could be that your tires are not balanced are misaligned, or there is an internal issue with the tire itself.
To make sure it’s not something that could lead to an even worse problem, have the car taken to your trusted mechanic right away.
Determining whether or not your car needs a new set of tires should not be that hard if you are aware of the warning signs. Use this guide to help you keep an eye on the red flags and ensure safety on the road.
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