Roll It: Know When You Need to Replace Your Tires
Tires are not only important because they make your cars roll, but are also necessary to ensure that your vehicle is safe to drive and performs efficiently. Although most tires are designed to give you maximum and consistent performance, eventually they will start to lose their traction and braking ability. If you do not replace your worn out tires, it could even lead to road accidents and fatalities. That is why it is important for you to know when to buy a new set of tires for your vehicle.
Check the tire tread pattern and tread depth.
The first thing that you need to do is to check you tire tread pattern. You will notice that tires have what they call “tread wear bars”, or the vertical bars located between the car treads. As the tire wears, these tread bars will eventually become level with the tire’s tread. That’s an indication that you need to replace your tires already. Also, you should try to measure the depth of your tires’ tread by using a penny and inserting it in the center of the tread. Or you could choose to buy a tire depth indicator to measure your tire’s tread. This is affordable and can be easily bought from an auto parts dealer. Better yet, you could just bring your tires to your regular tire place and have them check your tires for you.
Make note of any irregular tread wear. If you see that the tread wear of your tire is irregular, then perhaps there has been a wheel misalignment or that a tire rotation needs to be done. Have your vehicle checked for worn suspension parts or possible misalignment because these things can shorten a tire’s life. Aside from that, you could just do this tire rotation yourself by putting the front tires to the rear and vice versa.
Know the legal requirements in your place.
Although changing tires should be a matter of personal sense to assure one’s safety, it is also important for you to know there are some places that have legal requirements when it comes to replacing worn tires. In the United States for instance, you would have to replace your tires once your remaining tread depth have worn down to 1/16” or 1.6 mm.
Replace the tires at least every 6 years.
But if you are really confused as when to have your vehicle’s tires changed, know that the recommended minimum time should be six years, with 10 years the most. It is always better to check your vehicle’s manual for specific instructions regarding your car.
Well-maintained tires are necessary to prolong your vehicle’s life. That’s why it is very important for you to be able to determine the signs that tell you that your tires are worn out and already need replacing. Have a safe travel and avoid accidents when you have your tires replaced.