Tires have a lifespan determined mainly by miles driven, road conditions, driving habits, and care. However, choosing when to replace your tires can be tricky.
The first step is to know when your tread depth is below 1/16 of an inch (1.6 millimeters). There is an easy way to check it without spending money on a tire tread gauge – try the Lincoln penny test.
Tread Depth
If you don’t know the tire tread depth, it’s the distance between the top of the rubber on your tires and the bottom of the deepest grooves. When your tires’ tread is shallow, they lose traction on the road and force your braking and steering systems to work harder.
As a result, your vehicle may take longer to stop, especially in wet conditions. Shallow tread grooves also make your car more susceptible to hydroplaning, especially in winter weather.
Use a tool available at most auto parts stores to measure your tread depth. This device is inexpensive and simple to use.
Another method of measuring tread depth is to insert a penny into one of the tire’s grooves. If Lincoln’s head is visible, it’s time for a new set of tires.
Tread depth is a vital safety issue, and it’s something every owner should check periodically. Check it at several points around your tire’s circumference for the most accurate readings.
Unbalanced Tires
Unbalanced tires can be a major cause of tire wear and tear and need tire replacement Alma GA. It is because they take on extra pressure when you drive, which makes them more likely to get damaged or blow out.
It is why it is essential to get your tires balanced regularly. It will help prevent uneven wear and tear.
Examining the tread on your tires is one technique to determine if they are out of balance. For example, if the tread appears to be wearing faster than the rest of the tire, it could mean that the tires are imbalanced.
Another indicator that your tires are out of balance is if you start to feel vibrations in your steering wheel while driving. It can be caused by an imbalanced wheel-tire assembly, a bent wheel, a damaged tire (which won’t be fixed by balancing), worn suspension parts, or other aging components.
Unwanted Vibrations
Unwanted vibrations are an issue that can affect the performance of a machine and cause fatigue. They can also lead to shortened lifespans and failure.
When driving at high speeds, a vehicle that shakes or wobbles can be dangerous and irritating. In addition, it may indicate an underlying problem requiring immediate safety and comfort attention.
Tires should periodically be visually examined for wear indicators and inflated to the manufacturer’s specified pressure. A well-maintained set of tires can help prevent annoying vibrations.
A tire that shows signs of cupping (waves along the sidewall), flat spots from hard braking, or exposed metal cords can trigger vibrations. The tread area should have no dry-rot cracks, bulges, or water stains.
High-speed truck shaking is a sign of an underlying problem that must be fixed immediately for comfort and safety. It could be a loose lug nut, a misaligned wheel, or a faulty axle component.
Age
Your tires wear and tear as you drive. It is because the rubber compounds in them break down, and heat can quicken this process.
Tires constantly in contact with sunlight and hot weather degrade more quickly than tires that spend less time in these environments. Therefore, if you live somewhere warm and your tires are beginning to wear out, consider replacing them.
Older tires are often characterized by dry rotting and cracking. They can also lose their elasticity and grip, which results in a loss of performance when you drive on them.
Replacing your tires before they get too worn and hazardous to drive on is critical. The best way is to maintain proper air pressure, rotate them regularly, and get routine inspections.
An excellent general rule of thumb is to examine your tires after five years of use and to replace them after ten. However, some manufacturers recommend replacing your tires at six years if they don’t have much tread remaining.