5 Signs You Need New Tires
Over time, it’s inevitable that all tires will wear out. Many drivers want to wait as long as possible before putting out the expense for new tires. However, don’t wait until your old tires are a hazard on the road. If in doubt as to whether or not it’s time to purchase new tires, take a look and consider the five visual signs below indicating that new tires are necessary.
Look at your tires:
- What is the tread depth? If the tread depth is less than 1/16th of an inch, take your car into a tire service center and ask about purchasing new tires.
- Are the indicator bars showing? Newer tires have tread-wear indicator bars that gradually begin to appear as the tread wears down. These appear as flat rubber bars running perpendicular to the direction of the tread itself. If more than one or two of these bars are visible, the tread is getting too low.
- Are there tracks or cracks in the sidewall? Take a close look at the sidewalls for grooves or cracks. The grooves could be a sign that your tire is developing a leak (or worse, ready to blow out). If any cracks in the sidewall look serious, have them checked out.
- Any bulges or blisters? If you see any bulges or blisters on the outer surface of the tire, it is an indicator that the tire is beginning to get weak spots. This can result in a sudden blow out and cause you to lose control of the car.
- Is there excessive vibration while driving? There can be any of a number of causes for excessive vibration, but it could indicate an internal problem in a tire. Even if the tire isn't the root cause, the vibration could damage the tire to wear out prematurely.
Be sure to have your tires checked before something goes wrong! A tire failure while you're driving can be frightful, causing your car to go out of control or leaving you stranded in the middle of nowhere.
Need new tires before setting out on your summer road trip? Contact our ASE-certified technicians today at Express Care Auto by calling 507-625-8005, or go on-line at www.expresscareautomn.com for more information about tire service. Our auto shop serves vehicle owners in Mankato, MN, and the neighboring communities of North Mankato, MN, New Ulm, MN, and St. Peter, MN.
Over time, it’s inevitable that all tires will wear out. Many drivers want to wait as long as possible before putting out the expense for new tires. However, don’t wait until your old tires are a hazard on the road. If in doubt as to whether or not it’s time to purchase new tires, take a look and consider the five visual signs below indicating that new tires are necessary.
Look at your tires:
- What is the tread depth? If the tread depth is less than 1/16th of an inch, take your car into a tire service center and ask about purchasing new tires.
- Are the indicator bars showing? Newer tires have tread-wear indicator bars that gradually begin to appear as the tread wears down. These appear as flat rubber bars running perpendicular to the direction of the tread itself. If more than one or two of these bars are visible, the tread is getting too low.
- Are there tracks or cracks in the sidewall? Take a close look at the sidewalls for grooves or cracks. The grooves could be a sign that your tire is developing a leak (or worse, ready to blow out). If any cracks in the sidewall look serious, have them checked out.
- Any bulges or blisters? If you see any bulges or blisters on the outer surface of the tire, it is an indicator that the tire is beginning to get weak spots. This can result in a sudden blow out and cause you to lose control of the car.
- Is there excessive vibration while driving? There can be any of a number of causes for excessive vibration, but it could indicate an internal problem in a tire. Even if the tire isn't the root cause, the vibration could damage the tire to wear out prematurely.
Be sure to have your tires checked before something goes wrong! A tire failure while you're driving can be frightful, causing your car to go out of control or leaving you stranded in the middle of nowhere.
Need new tires before setting out on your summer road trip? Contact our ASE-certified technicians today at Express Care Auto by calling 507-625-8005, or go on-line at www.expresscareautomn.com for more information about tire service. Our auto shop serves vehicle owners in Mankato, MN, and the neighboring communities of North Mankato, MN, New Ulm, MN, and St. Peter, MN.
