It’s easy to not realize the importance of taking care of your car’s tires until something happens. But waiting too long to replace worn-out tires comes with risk — according to a NHTSA study, the more worn down the tread on your tires is, the more likely you are to experience a tire-related crash.
But how do you know when you need to consider replacing your tires?
5 Ways to Know You Should Replace Your Tires
1. Tread Depth
Adequate tread depth ensures your tires have the traction they need on the road, and especially in inclement weather like when it’s raining or snowing. To gauge your tire’s tread depth, you should try this penny test: Place a penny, head first, in between the tire’s tread blocks/grooves. Look to see if the top of Lincoln’s head is visible. If it is, then your tire’s tread depth is too low.
2. Tread Wear
Excessive tread wear can be identified by looking at your tire’s tread pattern. The tread pattern in the middle of the tire can become worn down quickly if your tire is overinflated. If the edges of the tire are worn down, it is likely that you’re driving on underinflated tires.
If there appears to be excessive wear on any of the read pattern on your tire, bring your car in for a tire inspection.
3. Sidewall Cracks or Gouges
The sidewalls of a tire are exactly what they sound like — the sides of the tire. Your tire may need to be replaced if you see any signs of damage, such as cracks or gouges.
4. Bulges or Blisters
Bulges or blisters can form on the surface of a tire if there are weak spots on the tire. If you notice either of these things on your tire, take in to be serviced.
5. Excessive Vibration
While some vibration while driving is to be expected, excessive vibration could point to worn-out tires. This type of vibration or shaking could be a sign of one of these tire-related issues:
- Tire misalignment
- Unbalanced wheel
- Worn-out shock absorbers
Shop New Car Tires at Asheboro Honda
If you encounter any of the problems above, we recommend you bring your vehicle in for service immediately. At the Asheboro Honda service center in North Carolina, we will ensure you get the most out of your tires with regular rotations and repair. And when a replacement is needed, we’ll help you find the right pair of new tires. Learn more about our tire service in Asheboro, NC.
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