With all the work that goes into maintaining a vehicle, it’s easy to forget about the condition of your tires. However, using a worn set of tires can present several safety problems that every driver should know. Read on to learn more about how to gauge the condition of your tires and which signs could indicate it’s time to invest in tire replacement.
Bulges or Cracks
When the sidewall of a tire begins to weaken, it can form a visible bulge that can easily burst while driving. To avoid getting a flat, you’ll want to replace any bulging tires the moment you notice them. Likewise, if you see cracks forming along the edge of the tire, you’ll want to take the vehicle to a service center as soon as possible. When tires start showing obvious signs of wear like these, something as simple as a pothole can potentially cause a blowout.
Shallow Tread Depth
Another common sign of aging tires is a worn-out tread. Brand new tires usually have a tread depth of up to 9 millimeters and each year a car is in service, this measurement will get shorter and shorter. As a general rule of thumb, you’ll want to replace your tires when the tread depth reaches less than 2 millimeters. You can check this depth by inserting a penny into the tread of a tire. If the tread covers up the top of Abe Lincoln’s head, you can likely put off buying new tires for another day.
Unusual Sounds or Vibrations When Driving
When tires begin to reach the end of their lifespan, you may notice strange noises coming from the vehicle or varying levels of vibrations at different rates of speed. These issues may be especially prevalent if one or two of your tires are older than the others. If your tires are in relatively good condition, hearing strange noises or feeling vibrations when driving could point to a problem like misalignment of the tires or a damaged suspension.
You’ve Had the Same Tires for More than Three Years
Most automotive professionals recommend tire replacement every 3 – 5 years, but if you put a lot of mileage on the vehicle, you’ll likely want to get this done sooner. It’s also best to replace all your tires at once instead of only changing out the ones that are worn-out. Doing this will ensure your tires remain balanced and in sync with one another.
Tire Replacement & Service Specials at Valley Automall
Are your tires showing any of these signs of wear? Bring your vehicle to Valley Automall for expert service. We offer a range of service specials to help you save more money, including discounts on mounting, balancing, and installing tires on many of today’s top vehicles. Visit Valley Automall today and we’ll get you back on the road in no time!