9 Possible Signs You Need New Tires for Your Car
If you are like most people, you don’t even think about your tires. We expect them to do their job; give us a smooth ride on the ground when we drive our vehicles. We usually don’t even know we need new tires until something goes wrong like a blowout or flat tire.
This can be dangerous so it’s important to pay attention for wear and tear before it’s too late. Tires are your first line of defence during dangerous road conditions so it’s worth your time to check them out often.
Here are 9 signs you need new tires for your car:
Sign #1: Balding
You don’t need to be a mechanic to see bald tires. This is the easiest sign to check for. You walk by your tires every time you get into your car and it just takes a quick glance.
There has to be a good tread for all conditions including snow and ice. It’s also important for braking and cornering too. You can look for the tread bars on your tires or even do the penny test to measure the depth of the tread..
Sign #2: Shaky Driving
Shaky driving is a common sign you need new tires. This is a sign that you are going to notice fast. Your car will shutter when you are driving on bumpy roads and this is normal. It’s when you are on a smooth surface that it is a problem.
It could be a case of needing to get your tires balanced or a new alignment but it should be checked out right away. You could have an issue with the interior of the tire and if so, it may need to be replaced with brand new tires.
Sign #3: Cracks and Gouges
Tires that are damaged are a real danger when driving. Weather conditions like ice and rain can wear down tires and a poor alignment causes damage to your tire’s sidewalls.
The last thing you need is a blowout while driving down the highway, causing an accident. Do an inspection once a week to look for any cracks or punctures in your tires.
Sign #4: Spare Tire Fatigue
Have you been driving on your spare tire for a while? This is an indication that you need new tires. Running on a spare is supposed to be a temporary solution when you have a flat. It should get you home or to a tire repair shop.
If you just haven’t got around to getting your flat fixed, make time. Long-term driving on your spare is unsafe so go out and replace it with a new tire. While you’re at it check the other ones too because they may have the same wear as your flat one.
Sign #5: Cord Exposure
There are steel cables laid underneath the tire tread, giving it rigidity on the road. If you have wires hanging out of your tire, get it replaced yesterday.
This is extreme wear and should be taken seriously. Immediately check all other tires for similar wear and replace all that is needed.
Sign #6: Uneven Wear
Look out for uneven wear. This can be caused by many things including improper alignment, unbalanced tires, or a worn-out suspension. Under-inflated and over-inflated tires can also contribute to it.
Uneven wear shortens the life of your tire and must be replaced. Make sure and get regular balancing and tire rotation to stop this problem. Also, check your tire pressure regularly when you fill up your tank.
Sign #7: Constantly Losing Tire Pressure
Are you having to fill up your tire with air all the time? This could be a sign of a leak so it’s best to check it out. It could also mean you need to replace it.
If there is valve stem damage or loss of the mounting seal it may be able to be repaired. More often it is a puncture in the tire causing the problem. If it is too big of a hole or you’ve had multiple flat repairs then you will need to get a new tire.
Sign #8: Poor Traction on Wet Roads
Your tires are designed to grip the road in all weather. The grooves in your tire wick water away from the treads so you get solid contact with the road.
If you are noticing slipping and sliding while driving in the rain or snow, it may be an indication that you need new tires. Your treads are probably wearing down and it is causing poor handling and hydroplaning.
Sign #9: The Tread Wear Warranty Is Passed
Most tires on the market come with a treadwear warranty. This is the company guaranteeing a set number of miles or years your tires will perform safely. When your warranty is up, get your tires checked. They are probably close to the end of their life so go ahead and purchase new tires.
Your tires play a vital role in a smooth and safe ride. Keep a close eye on them and check for any damage, uneven wear, and improper tire pressure. With a little care and attention, they will last you for years to come.
