Having good tires is essential to your car’s stability and handling. Tires wear out and lose their effectiveness over time, which can lead to less grip, less fuel efficiency, and a higher chance of accidents. To maintain maximum efficiency and safety, tire conditions should be checked frequently.
In this blog, we’ll show you how to determine in under a minute if you need new tires.
The Importance of Tire Condition
The only part of your car that actually touches the road is the tires. Therefore, your safety, handling, and fuel efficiency are all severely affected by their condition. If you inspect your tires on a regular basis, you will know when it is time to replace them.
Penny Test
You don’t need any special equipment or training to measure the depth of your tire’s treads. Get yourself a penny, and you’ll be set.
- Put the penny upside down in the tread groove. That’s right; your penny needs to go into the tread upside down!
- Take a look at the exposed side of the coin. If you can see Abe’s head, you are treading too shallowly.
- Put a penny through its paces in many tread grooves. If you can constantly make out the top of his head, it’s time to buy new tires.
It’s about 2/32 of an inch from the top of a penny to the top of Abe’s head. Your tread depth is less than 2/32 of an inch if you can see the top of his head. Driving on tires with such low tread depth may be illegal in several places.
Why Inspect Tire Tread?
With proper tire tread depth, your car is able to grip the road. This is especially important when the roads are snowy, wet, or have other bad conditions. When your tires have less tread, they are more likely to slip and slide, which can be dangerous for you and other cars on the road.
When your tires are old, they put more stress on the rest of your car, which can cause other parts to wear out faster. Even though buying new tires is a big investment, it’s one that’s worth making.
Should I change all four tires at once?
Many people also wonder if they need to buy four new tires at once. Yes is the simple answer. If you need to change your tires, it’s best to do so all at once so that you can ensure that they are all the same size and brand. If your tires don’t match, one end of your car might not be able to move as quickly as the other, making it hard to control. Your tires are what keep your car on the road, so it’s important to have a flat area.
If you only need to replace three tires, choose tires that are similar to the ones that are already on your car. If you are only changing two tires, you should only put those two tires on the rear axle. If you need new tires, you should look for a similar brand and size.
If your vehicle came with staggered fitment (front and rear tires of various sizes), you should consult the owner’s manual for replacement suggestions.
Which is better: new or used tires?
Used tires come with many concerns. If you don’t know the tires’ history, it’s hard to tell if they’ve been underinflated, overloaded, or have internal damage that could cause failure. Uneven wear on used tires can create noise, vibration, and other issues, requiring replacement sooner than new tires. It’s best to replace tires with new ones of the same category, size, load capacity, and speed rating as suggested by the vehicle’s maker.
The Importance of Tire Pressure
It’s important to check the physical state of your tires and to check the pressure of your tires often. Underinflated or overinflated tires can make it hard to steer, use more gas, and wear out the tires faster. Refer to the owner’s instructions or the sticker on the inside of the driver’s side door jamb to find out how much air should be in your tires.
Expert Advice For Tire Maintenance
Tires may be the most essential safety feature on your vehicle. Be sure to treat them correctly!
- Always change all four tires at once. Uneven wear on the tires could make them hard to drive on or cause other problems.
- Rotating your tires is a key part of keeping your car in good shape.
- Just as important as the tread is the air in the tires. With our Tire Health Checklist, you can learn about all the different ways to check for safety.
Conclusion
Keeping your tires in good shape is important for both your safety and the way your car runs as a whole. By using the ways given, you can quickly figure out if it’s time to get new tires. Make sure to check your tires often and talk to a professional when necessary to make sure they are always in good shape.
FAQs
How often should I look at the state of my tires?
Checking the condition of your tires at least once a month and before long trips is suggested.
Can I change only one tire if it’s damaged?
Tires should usually be replaced in sets of two or four to keep the car’s handling and grip even.
Should I keep an eye out for any particular signs of tire wear?
Yes, signs such as excessive vibration, increased road noise, or decreased handling can suggest tire wear.
What should I do if I don’t know how good my tire is?
If you aren’t sure about the state of your tires, you should have a professional check them out.
On average, how long do tires last?
The length of time tires last depends on things like how you drive, the state of the road, and how well you take care of them. Tires can last between 25,000 and 50,000 miles on average.