If you’re wondering, “When do I need new tires?”, we have answers to your questions and concerns. Perhaps you’ve had a flat or experienced another specific tire issue, and you’re thinking it may be time for new tires, but you’re not sure. Maybe you ran over a nail. Do you need a tire repair or to replace your tire? What about a wheel alignment? You’ve seen advertisements and heard commercials for wheel alignments, but when is it truly necessary? As a non-mechanic, how do you know? Well, we can point you in the right direction, right now, and give you honest advice for tire care when you come to our shop.
The Penny Diagnostic
The first thing to consider when you’re wondering if it’s time for new tires is tire tread depth. The tread on your tires should never fall below 1.6 millimeters in depth. While you can buy a tire gauge to measure tread depth (like you’ll see at a tire shop), there’s a simple method that’ll give you a general idea if you need new tires—and it won’t cost you a penny. In fact, it is a penny. Insert Lincoln’s head (head-down) into the tread. If Lincoln’s entire head remains visible, you don’t have enough tread, and you need new tires. Also check for cracks in the tire sidewall, bulges and/or blisters on your tires, and, if your car is vibrating a lot, you may need new tires or a wheel alignment (see below).
How a Wheel Alignment Can Help Prolong the Life of Your New Tires
There are still many other factors contribute to the determent of tires that are often out of your control, which includes weather cracking and sidewall integrity. As tires either age or are exposed to extreme weather conditions, the rubber begins to lose elasticity and cracks appear on the surface. Some cracking might not mean you need new tires, but if you notice a lot of splintering, it's a good idea to take your car to a tire shop where a professional can help you determine if you need new tires.
Let’s Talk Tires! We Have Answers to All Your Questions about New Tires, Tire Repair & Wheel Alignment
Equally as important as the condition of your tires, is making sure your tire alignment is correct. Good tire alignment helps your tires in optimizing their performance and allows them to last longer. Tire alignment also decreases the pulling of your vehicle in one direction while driving and gives the driver a better sense of control over the vehicle as a whole. If you haven’t gotten your tires aligned in a while, come in today so we can take care of that for you.