Warning Signs You Need New Tires

The tires on your vehicle play a vital role in ensuring you safely get from point A to point B. Even though the tires are so important, many people neglect to check the health of their tires regularly. Here is a look at some tell-tale signs that it is time to get a new set of tires.

Low Tire Tread

Having good tread on your tire is extremely important. The tread is used to grab hold of the road and other terrains. If the tread is worn out, your tire may not be able to maintain traction on the road.

Different types of tires will have different tread patterns. For example, off-road tires will have large block tread that is deeper than other tread patterns. No matter which type of tire you have, the tread should never be less than 2/32" thick.

One of the easiest ways to check to see if the tread is thick enough is to do the penny trick. To do this, take a penny, place it in the rib of the tread (The deep groove in between the block pattern), and stand it up on its side with the head of Abraham Lincoln pointing down. If the tread pattern covers Lincoln's head, the tread is thick enough. If Lincoln's head is still completely visible, it may be time to replace your tire.

You should do this test in multiple places on the tire to ensure the tread is not uneven. You should also do this test on all four tires to ensure that every tire is in good condition.

Uneven Tire Tread Wear

The tread will naturally wear away over time. However, the entire tread should wear away at the same rate. If you notice that certain sections of your tire show wear and other sections look brand new, that could indicate that you have a bigger problem.

Some of the different types of uneven wear that you might find on your tire could include:

• Patches - Patchy wear could indicate that your tire is out of balance. You should have your tires rotated and spun to see if it helps the problem.
• Flat Edges- If the edge of the tire is so worn that it is starting to look smooth, that is a definite sign of a problem. Most of the time, it means you have been driving around on an underinflated tire.
• Center Wear - If the center of your tire is starting to wear away faster than any other part of the tire; it probably means that your tire is overinflated. Most vehicles have a sticker placed in the driver's side door frame that specifies how much air your tires should have.

No matter what type of uneven wear your tire has, it should be checked out by a trusted service technician. Experienced service technicians can pinpoint the exact reason for the tread wear.

Odd Vibrations or Noise

If you begin to notice that your tires are vibrating more than usual, especially when traveling at high speeds, that could indicate something is wrong. You should take your vehicle to a service department as soon as possible to check the suspension and other components.

Bubble on the Side

A bubble on the sidewall of a tire is usually caused by a hard impact that can be sustained by a number of circumstances, including running over a pothole or getting into an accident. When your tire hits an object with extreme force, it causes the air to leak out of the inner tire and fill the body of the tire, which causes the bubble to appear.

If you notice a bubble on your tire, you need to get it changed immediately. Do not drive your vehicle at all until it is fixed. Once a bubble appears, there is a good chance that the tire might bust from the extreme pressure.

Cracked Rubber

If you notice there are cracks anywhere on the tire, that needs to be checked out immediately. Tire cracks are commonly found on the sidewall but can appear anywhere on the tire. Cracks are a sign that the rubber is starting to break down. At this point, driving on the tire can be very dangerous.

Old Tires

How long have the tires been on your vehicle? If you can't remember ever putting a tire on your car, chances are it has been several years. Most tires can last between 50,000 to 70,000 miles. If you believe your current tire has been on your car for more than six or seven years, it may be time to get a new set.

Schedule Tire Inspection & Maintenance in Phoenix Today!

If you are unsure about the safety of your tires, please do not hesitate to contact us today. We have a team of experienced service technicians that can inspect and diagnose any problem with your tire or vehicle.

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