How Do I Know When It’s Time To Replace My Tires?
Quality tires are essential to a vehicle functioning properly and safely. But how does a person know when it’s time to replace their tires? Below, we’ll explain some telltale signs that the tires on your car are worn out and need immediate replacement.
The Tread Is Worn
The best way to determine when it’s time to move on from your current tires and get some new ones is to check the tread. But how do you know if the tread on your tires is worn? Anyone can do it with the penny test. Take a penny and place it in the tread of the tires, with Lincoln facing you and his head facing down.
How much do you see of Lincoln’s head? If you can see nearly all of it, including his hair and scalp, the tread has worn past being safe to drive on. If you can only see about half of Lincoln’s head, your tires still have a healthy amount of tread.
They’re Old
Another easy way to know when it’s time to replace your tires is to see if they’re old and past their expiration date. Vehicle manufacturers typically recommend replacing tires approximately every 6 years, while tire manufacturers usually say around 10 years.
If you’re unsure how old your tires are, the manufacturer’s date is on the tire’s sidewall. If you don’t know how to read the tire date code, look at the last four numbers. The first two are the week of manufacture, and the last two digits are the year. Here’s an example. Say a tire’s last four digits are 2418. That means the manufacturer made it in the twenty-fourth week of 2018.
They Lose Pressure Quickly
Another common sign that tires are past their usefulness is that they’re frequently losing tire pressure. The quick loss of tire pressure could also mean a small leak in the tire, so carefully inspect it for any signs of cracks or punctures. But if all the tires are losing pressure often, they’re likely too old.
Having correctly inflated tires is vital to driving and controlling your vehicle safely, especially in difficult road conditions. So check and correct your tire pressure whenever it’s outside the recommended tire pressure.
If your vehicle’s tires exhibit any telltale signs, you need to go to your local tire store or auto shop and get some fresh rubber. You’ll marvel at how much better your car runs on new tires and even get a boost to your fuel economy!
