Have you checked the condition of your tires lately? Many drivers treat tires the same way as their personal health — taking them for granted until something goes wrong. It’s not an exaggeration to say that your life depends on the quality of your tires. A blowout can be tremendously dangerous, especially if it happens on a busy road. Knowing when to change your tires is critical. We at Rath Auto Resources want our customers to be happy and healthy. These are four sure signs your vehicle needs new tires.
Your Car Wanders All Over the Road
When your tires are getting worn down, they often wear out unevenly. This can cause your car to wander all over the road when you’re driving. Keep an eye out for this problem. If you experience it, stop and check the condition of your tires.
Find a penny and then turn it upside down, so Lincoln’s head is pointing toward the earth. Next, stick the penny into the tread of your tire. If Lincoln’s head is covered up by the tread of the tire, your tires might be alright. However, if you can see all of Lincoln’s head, then your tires are worn too far down and will need to be replaced soon.
The Factory Wear Bars Are Showing
Another sign that it’s time to replace your tires is if you can see the factory wear bars. These wear bars are placed in the middle of the tread of all tires. Factory wear bars run across the tread and are hardly even noticeable when the tires are new. However, the factory wear bars become easier to see over time. When they get to the same level as the tire tread, it’s definitely time to get new tires.
The Tires Have Cracks, Bubbles, or Bulges
Extreme weather conditions can be rough on your tires and cause them to deteriorate faster. As tires age and are regularly exposed to extreme weather, the rubber weakens, and little cracks appear on the surface. Minor cracking is common, but if you see a lot of splintering, it’s a clear sign that it’s time to take your car in for new tires. Also, watch out for any abnormal bubbles or bulges. If you notice one, take your vehicle to a professional tire store immediately for inspection.
Lots of things can be tough on your tires, from extreme swings in temperature to potholes, rough terrain, and long road trips. These things may be hard on your tires, so it’s a good idea to inspect them on a regular basis. Also, make sure to have them rotated and aligned as often as the owner manual recommends. That way, your tires will wear out more evenly and stay in good shape longer.
Get in the practice of regularly inspecting your tires, and you can help prevent big problems like tire blowouts. Most tires have a manufacturer’s warranty, so if they wear down too fast or show signs of a problem, take them back to where you purchased them. They might still be covered by the manufacturer’s warranty.
Photo by mikepetrucci | Licensed under cc BY-SA 2.0
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