Is It Time To Replace Your Tires?

Tires are one of the most components on your vehicle. The tires make contact with the road and help provide the traction necessary for safe maneuvering. Despite their importance, many drivers overlook their tires when it comes to vehicle maintenance. 

If you are wondering whether or not it is time for you to invest in new tires, there are some basic considerations to keep in mind that will help you determine if the time is right to replace your tires.

Wear Distribution

As your tires traverse roadways day after day, the outer tread can begin to wear down. It's important that you take the time to evaluate the wear distribution when deciding if you need to replace your tires. 

Some vehicles will have alignment issues that cause the tires to wear out more along the inner or outer edges of the tire. This uneven wear distribution can make the tire more prone to failure, putting your safety at risk. 

You should replace any tires with uneven wear distribution and have a reputable tire service shop address the alignment issues causing the uneven wear.

Tread Condition

Even if your tires are wearing evenly, the tread is not designed to last forever. You need to keep a close eye on the condition of the tread when trying to determine the right time to replace your tires. 

Tread depth has a significant effect on the amount of traction your vehicle has in adverse weather. The water or snow on the road is pushed away by the treads so that the tire can enjoy maximum contact with the roadway. 

A good way to measure the tread depth on your tires is to place a penny into one of the tread grooves with Lincoln's head facing downward. If you can see all of Lincoln's head, then your tread is worn and the tires should be replaced.

Age

Tires are not meant to last the life of your vehicle. Just because your tires pass the penny test doesn't necessarily mean that they aren't in need of replacement. Age can also be a factor in determining when you need new tires. 

Over time, the rubber that is used to construct tires will begin to crack and deteriorate. This can allow the steel belts in the tread to separate, causing the tire to fail. Many major car manufacturers suggest that tires be replaced at least every six years, regardless of condition.

If you still aren't sure whether or not you need to replace your tires, it's best to take your car into a car service, such as Grey Chevrolet Inc, who can help you decide.