3 Signs You Need New Tires

By
Posted in Tips & Tricks

Vehicles require constant attention, and it can be challenging to keep up with all the regular maintenance and repairs. Tires are one of the most important aspects of the vehicle because without them you obviously wouldn’t get too far. Our team here at Certified Autoplex is going to share three signs to know you need new tires.

Proper tires that are in good shape are extremely important to the overall well-being of your vehicle. If your tires are in rough shape or improperly inflated, it could be dangerous. If you keep up on regularly scheduled maintenance, you can rest assured knowing your technician keeps an eye on your tires. However, if you do your own maintenance or haven’t had it in the shop lately, here are a few tests you can try.

man checking tire pressure

How-To: Know When You Need New Tires

  1. Tread Depth – Proper tread is crucial for your tires to be able to grip the road and give you better traction. With low tread, you are more prone to slipping and sliding all over the road as well as having a slower stop time. The proper amount of tread is 1/16 of an inch. There are tools to measure this, but using a penny is just as effective. Insert the penny face down, and if Abe’s head is still completely visible, it may be time for a new set of tires.
  2. Tire Sidewall Cracks – When you buy a new car or get a new set of tires, it’s always a good idea to check them out and see how they look when they’re in good shape. That way if you start to notice visible cracks, cuts or grooves in the sidewall of the tires you know it’s time to get them checked out. These cracks could be a simple, slow leak, but it could eventually lead to a tire blowout.
  3. Too Much Vibration – Although it’s not a surefire way to know, drivers may be able to tell they need new tires without even looking at them. If you start to notice excessive vibration while you’re driving, this could mean your tires are unaligned or not balanced. This is definitely something you should get checked out as soon as possible.

Those interested in learning more about signs of needing new tires are welcome to contact our team here at Certified Autoplex for more information. Scheduling a service appointment with your local car shop is always a good idea if you have concerns or questions.