Choosing the right type of tire for your vehicle is important. You need to be aware of three things when deciding if you need new tires: tread wear, exposure to the elements, and tire age. If you are not sure what type of tire your vehicle should have, make sure to contact us. We can recommend what tires would be the most beneficial.
Tread Wear on the Tires
With this easy test, a penny can buy you peace of mind when it comes to your tires and safety. Place a penny head first into several tread grooves across the tire. If you always see the top of Lincoln’s head, your treads are shallow and worn. If this is the case, your tires need to be replaced. If part of Lincoln’s head is always covered by the tread, you have more than one sixteenth of an inch of tread depth remaining. This means you probably do not need new tires. The most important reason to worry about tread wear is safety. When your tire treads are worn, your car may respond poorly in adverse weather conditions like rain and snow. With good treads your car will grip the road better. Also, having insufficient tread is considered illegal in many states. Also, worn treads can make other parts of your car wear prematurely. If you notice that the tread is starting to wear, make sure to schedule an appointment and bring your vehicle in so we can inspect it for you.
How the Weather Affects the Tires
Exposure to heat and the sun’s ultraviolet rays may cause structural changes to your tires. These changes are not usually a concern in moderate climates. If your vehicle sits for a length of time, the tires can start to develop some issues. Sitting out in the elements can cause the tires to have dry rot. By properly storing the vehicle and inspecting the tires, you can help prevent the issues from developing.
Know the Age of Your Tires
How old are your tires? Regardless of tread wear, vehicle manufacturers generally recommend you replace your tires at six years. Most tire manufacturers recommend you replace your tires at ten years. Check the manufacturer’s recommendations on your specific tires. You can also contact us and we can check the tires and recommend when new ones would be needed.