Driving with a good set of tires is very important. You may not want to spend a lot of money on them, but you will regret that decision if they blow out on the middle of the highway. You can face massive repair costs, injuries and the inconvenience of being stranded in an unsafe place. Therefore, every driver should pay close attention to their tires and get them replaced when necessary.
You will want to look at your tires at least once a month. Here are some signs that they may need to be replaced in the near future. If your tires seem to exhibit any of these problems, then you should look for an online parts store so that you can replace them. This is something that you will want to address as soon as possible because a blown tire could cause serious problems down the road.
Fails the Penny Test
Many experts recommend replacing the tire when the treads are worn down to 4/32”. However, this can be a difficult dimension to measure. An easy way to tell is to take a penny and place it between the treads of the tires. The penny should be turned upside down so that Abraham Lincoln’s head is facing directly downward. If the tire doesn’t cover his head completely, then you should replace them.
Shows Signs of Fading
Exposure to heat can significantly reduce their life expectancy. You will want to look at your tires carefully for signs of fading. This may mean that your tires aren’t aging well and will need to be replaced.
Serious Crack Formation
Large cracks are serious hazards that you need to look out for. You should look at the treads and sidewalls carefully because cracks in these regions are most likely to cause the tire to fail. Cracks near the rim may not be as much of a concern, but they should still be monitored carefully.
Aging
Many people believe that tires are okay as long as the treads aren’t worn down and there are no obvious tears. Unfortunately, even unused tires may cause be prone to failure as they age. You will also want to pay close attention to the age of your tires. Most tires should be replaced after 10 years, even if they haven’t been driven regularly.
Consider the Climate
You will also want to pay close attention to the climate that you live in. Tires are more prone to failure if they are driven in very hot or cold regions. You may want to replace your tires in half the time you were otherwise considering. If you are driving in cold, snowy climates, then you should look for salt damage as well.
