Learn About The Right Time to Replace Your Car Tires
Vehicle tires serve an essential purpose. Without them, a vehicle wouldn’t be able to move. It’s important to pay careful attention to your tires. They aren’t meant to last forever and will eventually begin to lose performance ability. As tires age and the tread on them wears down, they become less safe. Tire failure can lead to severe accidents, so it’s essential to know when to replace your tires.
The Right Time
The tread on the tire improves traction, especially on wet roads. As the tread begins to wear, the tire isn’t as safe. A good rule of thumb is that if it’s down to 1/16 of an inch, it’s time to get essential tire replacement for your vehicle at NOLA Automotive Repairs. It is a legal requirement that tires have proper tread above 1/16 of an inch in some states. There are a few ways to determine that the tire is worn. Perhaps the most popular way is the “penny test.”
Put a penny upside down in the center of the tread. The tire is still useful as long as you can’t see the top of Lincoln’s head. If you can see his head, the tires should be replaced.
Tread Wear Indicator
Of course, this isn’t an exact science, and this test has been criticized for not being 100% accurate. An accurate way to check is to use a tire tread gauge. These can be bought at any auto store for a few dollars. You can also check the tread wear indicator on the tire. The treadwear indicator is located in the groove of the tread. If it is even, or almost even, with the tread around it, it means that the tire is worn. It’s no longer safe and should be replaced immediately.
You can also use common sense when determining that a tire should be replaced. Regularly check out your tires to see how they look. Keep an eye out for any deep cracks or bubbles. Check the wear on all of the tires. If the wear is uneven on the front, it could mean that there is an alignment issue. Make sure that tires stay properly inflated. If you notice that they don’t maintain correct tire pressure and lose air quickly, there is a tire problem.
Check your owner’s manual, but typically six years is a fair amount of time using the same tires. It depends on your driving style, but ten years should be the absolute maximum for using the same tires. A tire begins aging as soon as it is manufactured, not from its use date, because tires can deteriorate even if they are sitting in a store. Tires can also age faster in warmer climates. When in doubt, have a trusted mechanic look at the tires when you have routine maintenance work done and get a professional opinion on the wear and tread.