Driving with worn tires doesn’t only compromise your car’s performance, it’s also very unsafe. Every year there are 15,000 auto accidents caused by problems with cars’ tires.
Avoiding buying cheap car tires can help, as can regular checks and services for signs of wearing.
But how do you know when are tires worn out? Keep reading to find out when to replace your tires.
1. Bulging Tires
Bulging on the sidewalls of your tires is a sure-fire sign that your car needs serving right now. Not least because these kinds of weak spots mean that your tires could burst at any moment. Click here to learn more about services and how they’re vital for spotting signs your tires are worn like this.
2. Penny Test Fail
An easy way to check your tire treads is by setting a penny in the tread groove. When Lincoln’s head is facing down, if you can see the top of it, your tire has failed the penny test and you need new ones.
3. Cracked Tire Sidewalls
Over time, weather, incorrect alignment, and scraping your tires against curbs when parking can wear down your tires’ sidewalls. As they dry out and crack, they become more susceptible to a blowout.
4. Your Tire Pressure Light Comes On
The majority of newer vehicles have a TPMS (Tire Pressure Monitoring System). This tells you when your tires are under-inflated. If the light comes on often, there’s a good chance your tires are worn down.
Although you can check for this with a quick manual test, professional tire services in Bartlett, TN are far better qualified to locate and resolve the issue for you.
5. Poor Traction on Wet Roads
Wet roads can be difficult to drive on at the best of times, but if you find that you have trouble maneuvering your vehicle when it rains, this can be a sign that you need to replace your tires.
Your tires’ tread grooves become less shallow as your tires wear out. The grooves are what help wick water away from the treads, giving your vehicle traction. So without this, the water stays on the treads and can lead to dangerous hydroplaning.
6. Uneven Wear
If your tires have been inflated incorrectly or are out of alignment, this can lead to uneven wear. Overinflated tires wear out more in the center, whereas underinflated tires wear out faster at the edges.
A problem with your car’s suspension can also cause uneven wear, so you should get your car serviced to replace your tires and check for this possibility at the same time.
7. Your Tires Are Over 10 Years Old
Cheap car tires might only last a few years but even quality tires don’t last forever. While you’re less likely to spot the signs your tires are worn listed here if you invested in good tires, manufacturers still recommended replacing tires more often than every 10 years.
How Do I Know When Are Tires Worn Out?
If you’ve ever wondered, “how do I know when are tires worn out?”, this guide should have made everything a lot clearer.
From shallow tread grooves to cracks on the sidewalls, there are plenty of warning signs to look out for. But often, it’s best to leave it up to the professionals to find and fix these problems.
Want more informative insights like this? Be sure to check out our other blog posts for all the latest on everything from automotive advice to travel tips!
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