The tires on your vehicle are vital to safe and efficient driving, but do you know how to tell when your tires need to be replaced? Tires have varying lifespans depending on the manufacturer and the quality of the tires you purchase. However, no matter what type of tires you have on your car you can use a few techniques to determine when it’s time to call your automotive repair center and schedule a tire replacement.
Depth of the Treads
The treads on your tires are what keep your tires in contact with the road. The absolute lowest your tire treads should ever get are about 1/16 inch deep. However, Oregon is one of the wettest states of the country, and it’s a good idea to make sure they never get shallower than 1/8 inch.
Most newer tires come standard with tread indicator bars. These bars are almost impossible to see when the tire is new, but as the tire wears down the indicator bar becomes more noticeable. Keep an eye on these parts of your tires so you know when they’re wearing down.
Sidewall Cracks
While the treads of your tires experience the most wear and tear as you drive, the sidewalls of your tires also sustain wear from the air pressure inside of the tires pushing out against them as you drive. Some slight cracks in your tire sidewalls are perfectly normal, but once you start noticing larger cracks and densely packed networks of cracks, it’s time to consider replacing your tires.
Tire Bulges
Older tires will sometimes develop bulges that resemble bubbles on the tire surface. This is a sign that the tire could blow very soon due to pressure imbalance, so have this issue checked as soon as possible.
Wobbles and Vibration
If your tires are out of alignment, low on air, or unbalanced, your car may vibrate at an alarming rate when you make certain maneuvers. This type of vibration may also indicate an issue with your shock absorbers, so have your mechanic take a look as soon as possible.
Take care of your vehicle’s tires. If you notice these or any other issues with your vehicle’s tires, contact Ken Scales Automotive in Medford as soon as you can to schedule service so you can keep driving safely.
