5 Signs Your Car Needs New Tires
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Even the best tires will eventually need replacing. Good tires are essential for driving safely. There are several ways to tell if your tires are near the end of their lifespan. Here are five warning signs that your vehicle needs new tires:
Look Out for These 5 Signs Your Car Needs New Tires
#1 Low Tire Tread
Your tires’ treads are what provides your car with traction. When the treads become worn down, your vehicle will have trouble maintaining contact with the road in wet, slippery conditions. You should replace your tires if the tread is less than 1/16th of an inch.
Here’s an easy way to check the depth of your tire treads. Take a penny and insert it into the tire tread with Lincoln’s head facing toward the tire. If you can see the top of Lincoln’s head, your tire tread is too worn, and the tire should be replaced.
#2 Tire Warning Light
Many vehicles built in 2008 or later come equipped with a “low tire pressure” warning light. It will light up on your dash when one of your tires is low; however, it will not tell you the cause of the low tire pressure. If your tire pressure warning light is on, you should have your tires inspected by a mechanic.
#3 Blisters or Bulges
If a tire’s surface begins to weaken, blisters or bulges may start to appear. The bulges will extend outward from the tire’s surface. These bulges are weak spots; they can cause a tire to suddenly blow out. You should have your tires replaced if you see blisters or bulges on their surfaces.
#4 Excessive Vibration
Some vibration when you’re driving is to be expected, especially when traveling on a rough road, but most drivers can tell when the vibration is severe enough to cause concern. Excessive vibration can be caused by a misaligned or unbalanced tire, or by a faulty shock absorber. Vibration can also indicate a problem with the tire itself. Too much vibration can damage your vehicle’s tires. If your car is vibrating more than usual, have it checked out by a mechanic.
#5 Low Pressure
It’s normal for your tires to slightly inflate during hot weather and deflate slightly in cold temperatures. However, if a tire cannot maintain its pressure, it probably has a slow leak. Even a small pinhole in a tire can cause a leak. Some leaks can be patched, but others will require replacing the tire.
Making sure your tires are in good repair is critical to keeping your vehicle safe. If you notice any of the warning signs discussed in this article, have your tires inspected by a mechanic as soon as possible and consider buying replacement tires.
