When Is It Time to Replace Your Tires? Signs You Shouldn’t Ignore
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Knowing when to replace tires is a critical part of vehicle safety. Issues such as uneven tire wear, tread depth, alignment issues, and tire pressure can all contribute to the need for new tires. If you're wondering when to replace car tires, this guide offers the latest information on proper tire maintenance for safe driving.
Key Signs It's Time to Replace Your Tires
If your dashboard lights are telling you it's time to replenish or replace your tires, that is a clear sign that you need to fill worn tires up with air, at a minimum, and consider tire replacement. Here are some other considerations when it comes to proper tire maintenance:
- Tread wear: Worn tread or uneven outer tread are two key signs that your tire conditions are in tough shape. Your car should have at least 2/32 of an inch of tread depth on all tire sections, and more if you regularly drive on wet surfaces. You can measure depth across the tread and around the tire's circumference. When to replace tires based on tread depth can vary, but no driver should go below 2/32.
- Cracks: The rubber on normal tires can dry out with age and exposure to the elements. However, when cracks widen to the extent that you can peel tire rubber off with your hands, that is another sign your tires likely need replacing.
- Bulges: While scratches are typically considered normal, bulges are not. Bulges can occur when air gets between the outer tire layers and the inner liner and potentially render your vehicle unsafe to drive.
- Low air pressure: If your tires are constantly low on air, you might have a larger leak going on that can lead to unsafe driving if not attended to.
Other issues such as cuts and bubbling, a flat tire, or tires that simply don't grip well, are also signs that it may be time to replace your tires.
The Penny Test: A Quick Way to Check Tread Depth
The penny test is a simple and fast option for checking tread depth on your tires. To perform the penny test:
- With President Abraham Lincoln's head held upside down, place a penny into your tire's tread groove.
- If you can see the top of President Lincoln's head, your tires are in need of replacement. If his head remains covered, you are likely in good shape.
You can also perform the quarter test, which will let you know that you have 4/32 of tire tread if you can't see the top of President Washington's head when the quarter is inserted. When in doubt, however, get it checked out. Tire manufacturers also offer guidelines for regular replacement.
How Tire Age Impacts Performance
Rubber and other components in a tire change over time due to service, storage, and environmental conditions. For this reason, tire age can negatively impact performance. Not only will your fuel efficiency decline over time, but you will also likely face reduced traction, compromised handling and stability, and increased risk of blowouts and flat tires. While some of this can be prevented with regular tire rotations and service, eventually, you will need to replace your vehicle's tires.
Choosing the Right Replacement Tires
You want to choose the right replacement tires for your current and future driving needs. It always helps to consult a tire expert. Beyond that, consider the following tips:
- Determine your needs. How many miles a year are you driving? On what conditions? How long did your current tires last? All of these factors can play a role in the decision on what kind of replacement tires you get.
- Understand different tire types. From all-season tires and SUV tires to snow tires and ultra-high-performance tires, there are a lot of options on the market today. Make sure you're choosing the option that suits your driving habits and style.
- Go beyond sticker price and brand. While it can be easy to look for the same brand you always have had and the lowest price, it is more important to find well-rated tires that work for you and your vehicle.
- Get the right size. This might seem obvious, but if you're upgrading from your vehicle's Original Equipment size, this calculation is important. In a nutshell, your tires must be able to handle the weight of your car. Likewise, all four tires should ideally match.
Maintenance Tips to Extend Tire Life
Many maintenance tips that extend tire life are common sense, but that doesn't mean everyone does them. Here are some simple ways to extend the lifespan of your tires:
- Check your tire pressure regularly. You don't have to wait for a light to go on. Tire pressure can fluctuate with the seasons, and proper inflation is key to fuel efficiency and performance.
- Rotate your tires. You can check your manual for a suggested rotation schedule, but many experts recommend tires be rotated every 5,000 to 8,000 miles. When to replace tires based on mileage is also something to discuss with your mechanic.
- Take a look at your tires. While you can't see every issue before it becomes serious, a visual inspection can help you spot punctures and other potential problems.
- Align your wheels. When wheels are out of alignment, that can result in uneven wear on tires and poor vehicle handling. This is something you can do when you have new tires installed or rotated.
And if you haven't already learned how to change a tire, there's no time like the present! It's also wise to have insurance for car repairs so you're never caught off guard.
When to Seek Professional Assistance
If you have any concerns at all about the safety of your tires, it's time to seek professional assistance.
Likewise, if your tread is low, if your car isn't driving quite right, or if you see visible forms of damage on the tires or sidewalls, play it safe and bring your car in.
Stay Safe with Proper Tire Care and the Right Car Insurance
Just like proper tire care supports safe driving, so does car insurance coverage. The right car insurance can save you money and time if you ever need to make a claim. Visit EverQuote today to compare auto insurance quotes and find the best option for you.