Many drivers don’t invest much of their resources in their tires yet tires play a vital role in our vehicles’ performance and safety. Maintaining good tire pressure and well-being can significantly boost a car’s handling and braking performance. Regular tire checkup helps determine when a replacement is required, though there are a few indicators that guide you when it’s time for new tires. In this article, we discuss the warning signs that you require new tires, enlighten you on how often tires should be replaced, and point out the problems that can occur with worn-out tires.
Warning Signs That You Need New Tires
If you notice any of the following signs in your tires, they may need replacements:
Bulges in the tire
Tires, like most parts of a vehicle, are prone to wear and tear over time. As the exterior of your tire starts to grow weaker, the rubber starts to expand outwards causing a bulge or visible swelling. This bulge is dangerous when driving on the highway, as the increased pressure can cause the tire to rupture in motion. Consider replacing your tires whenever you spot a bulge in them.
Visible cracks on the side of the tire
If you see unusual cracks on your van’s tires, then it is important to have them tested and probably get new ones. Such cuts and cracks may signal a leak, which may cause your tires to rupture.
Shallow tread depth
If the tire tread is less than 1.6 millimeters in-depth, you should consider acquiring new tires. You can purchase a gauge to assess the tread depth at your own convenience. A much easier method of determining your tire tread, however, is by doing a penny test. Position a penny in the furrows linking your tire treads with Lincoln’s head facing down. If the upper part of Lincoln’s head is noticeable, then the tread is pretty shallow and the tires should be replaced.
Visible tread wear indicators
Unlike older cars, modern vehicles have inbuilt tread wear pointer bars that are indistinguishable in fresh tires. These indicators, which look like flat rubber pieces start to be discernible when the tires wear out. Whenever you are in the Plano, Texas, area and you see more than one bar on your tires, an auto dealer will be happy to change them.
Uneven tread wear
Sometimes, treads on tires deteriorate at variable rates. Some parts may be in excellent condition, while other parts look totally worn off. This can be caused by wheel misalignment. When you spot such irregularities, a scheduled service will help you know if you need new tires.
Unusual vibrations
Strange vibrations coming from your tires may be a sign of serious damage. Tires can be spoiled by a range of issues. The underlying problem of the vibrations may harm your tires hence the need for a replacement.
How Often Should You Change Your Tires?
Image via Flickr by Josbert Lonnee
How often you should replace your tires depends on the kind of car you possess, your location, how you handle the vehicle, and how well you keep it.
Tire exteriors have channels known as treads that are intended to enhance your car’s traction. Unfortunately, treads deteriorate with time, reducing the performance of the tires. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) recommends checking your tire pressure at least once every month and changing your tires every six years.
Tires are made using different compounds, each with varying effects on its lifespan. Those built with softer components offer better receptiveness and braking performance though they tend to wear down more rapidly. On average, most tires are deemed to have a life of 25,000 to 50,000 miles before there’s a need for a replacement.
If you are looking to acquire a used vehicle, Huffines Chrysler Jeep Dodge will guide you on the general maintenance of your desired vehicle. The automobile dealer also has the perfect tire and wheel protection program to cater to your damaged tires at no extra cost.
Problems Associated With Worn Out Tires
Worn-out tires are one of the primary sources of vehicle accidents today. These accidents are usually caused by any of the following occurrences:
Heat build-up
Treads cool down tires when the heat is too high as they let in air to run through the channels. Shallow treads trap a lot of heat that can build up to dangerous levels. Tires with worn-out treads can put your life at risk while you’re driving as they are more susceptible to friction. Friction causes heat that can lead to an accident. If you are driving very fast, a blowout could occur.
Unexpected blowouts
Blow outs are very dangerous at soaring speeds. Treads offer a good chance of evading an accident when you encounter a prickly object on the road, unlike bald tires.
Difficult to handle in snow
Winter tires are intended to have small grooves called “sipes” in between the treads. Without these sipes, your car will not get enough traction, which can cause your tires to lose control. Take note that sipes wear out along with treads. For this reason, if you happen to be around Plano, Texas, you should have your tires examined to reduce the risk of them spiraling out of control.
Rapid loss of air pressure
Deteriorated tires lose air pressure faster than those with sufficient air pressure. Tires with low pressure are very dangerous as they have low traction, which makes them quite hard to maneuver. They may also make the enduring treads to wear off more quickly than normal and decrease your fuel mileage.
Follow these tips for checking your tires and identifying the signs that indicate they’re in poor condition. Ignoring the signs that you need to change your tires may lead to more serious problems in your vehicle. Therefore, go ahead and schedule a service call with Huffines Chrysler Jeep Dodge. Our highly qualified technicians will identify the problem and offer a sustainable solution.