Most vehicle owners are familiar with the fact that they need to have their vehicles inspected each year. One maintenance task that many tend to forget about is changing their tires. However, if you’re experiencing any of the issues that we’re going to go over below, it’s time to get those tires changed. It’s important to make sure your tires are always in good shape. This will keep your car safe, especially in the winter. Balding tires can become slippery especially in rainy and snowy weather.
There’s Hardly Any Tread Left
One big indicator that it’s time to get your tires changed is that they hardly have any tread left on them. You’ll visibly be able to see signs of wear. If you stick a penny into the tread cavity upside down and can see all of Lincoln’s head, then you need to get your tires replaced sooner rather than later.
Driving with tires with little traction can be a dangerous endeavor, as it can increase the chances that a tire blowout or skid can occur. During inclement weather such as rain and snow, tire traction is incredibly important to ensure your vehicle is being operated in the safest manner possible. A tire change can be easy to do and helpful in avoiding tire-related issues while on the road. If you feel that your tires are not giving you the proper amount of traction, consider changing them as soon as possible in order to protect yourself and those around you.
They’re Old
In general, car manufacturers recommend replacing your tires every five years. However, some tire manufacturers do make tires that are rated for longer. It’s best to check the recommendations from your tire manufacturer and your car owner’s manual to determine at what age you should replace your tires. If they’re nearing or have reached past the recommended change date, then it’s high time to think about replacing them. Once your tires get older, it’s important to regularly check them. Once a week before you get in your car, check the tread on your tires. Make sure they aren’t balding and are safe to drive on.
Physical Defects
The physical appearance of your tires will tell you a lot. If you notice any blistering, bulging, or even cracks in the sidewall, it’s time to get them examined by a tire change technician. In most all cases of physical defects, you’ll need to get your tire replaced.
Tire defects are a common and dangerous issue on the road. Driving with tire defects can result in tire blowouts, tire separation, and tire tread damage—all of which can quickly cause vehicular accidents and injury to oneself or others. Representing a major safety risk, tire defects should not be taken lightly; regular tire checks and tire changes as needed are an important part of maintaining your vehicle’s safe operation. Regular tire changes include making sure that tires have the correct air pressure, evaluating tire walls for signs of bulging or cracking, testing for tread wear, ensuring that tire mounting hardware is secure, and investigating for any punctures or foreign objects in the tire itself. Don’t hesitate to get your car assessed by professionals to guarantee maximum safety on the road!
Vibration When Driving
It’s important to first note that feeling a vibration when you’re going down the roadway can be due to a number of different factors. However, one of these factors is bad tires. You should consult a technician to roll out other potential causes of your vibration issue before replacing your tires.
Car vibrations can be signs of tire issues, and if not addressed in a timely manner, they can lead to major damage. A tire that is out of balance will cause your car to vibrate, so when you’re driving, look for any unusual shaking or feel that is happening. If something feels off it might be time for a tire change. It can take as little as an hour depending on the tire quality and size of tire needed. Changing these components regularly also helps keep the ride smoother and protects the rest of the steering components from being damaged due to tire imbalance. Don’t let your car be in danger due to poor tire maintenance!
Your Car Struggles to Get Traction
Depending on where you live, you may deal with a lot of adverse weather conditions in the winter months. If you’ve noticed that your car struggles to get traction a lot, then it’s time to consider upgrading to a more aggressive tire tread. You may find that going with an all-terrain tire or investing in winter tires is necessary to get around in your area during the cold winter season.
Many times, it takes being reminded of the problems that your vehicle may have to remember that it’s time to invest in a new set of tires. If you’re experiencing any of the issues above, it’s best to get those new tires sooner rather than later to ensure your safety while driving.