Bad tires can leave you stranded in the middle of nowhere. Or they'll send you skidding on black ice. Bad tires cause accidents, and they lead to fatalities.
So you must replace your tires regularly, and especially as necessary. Here's how to tell if you need new tires.
Do the Penny Test
One of the easiest ways to tell if you need new tires is by checking the treat with a penny.
Take a penny, and put it so Lincoln's head is upside down. Stick the penny in the tire's tread. Your tread should cover Lincoln's forehead. If you can see all of Lincoln's head, the tread is worn down and dangerous.
When you do the penny test, make sure to check all four tires. It pays to check several spots on each tire to make sure they're wearing evenly.
If not, it could be a sign your tires need to be realigned, or you may have another mechanical issue. It's also a good time to see if you need a tune-up to keep your car running top-notch.
Look at The Tire Walls
Sometimes the tread is fine, but you still need to replace a tire. Your tires are exposed to extreme conditions, like heat or cold, ice and snow, or even rocks and potholes. As a result, they get damaged.
Look at the walls on your tires. Is the rubber cracking? Can you see odd bubbles or shapes? Do you see or feel metal wires poking out of the rubber? These are all signs you need to replace your tires immediately.
Look for Weird Signs of Wear
Ideally, your tires should wear evenly all along the tread. But that's not always the case. When you see parts of your tread that show more wear than others, its a sign there's a bigger issue with your car.
It could be something as minor as driving with the wrong air pressure in your tires. Or, you may need to get your wheels realigned or adjust the toe-in angle.
What to Expect When you Get New Tires
Most moderately priced tires are between $100 to $300 each. So plan ahead so you're not caught off guard when it's time to replace your tires.
It's often a good idea to get your tires replaced when you winterize your car. It's an especially good time if you're switching to snow tires for the season.
You may even want to keep two sets of tires - snow tires and summer tires. This can prolong the life of both sets if they're properly stored. And it'll keep you safer while driving in winter.
Now You Know How to Tell if You Need New Tires
It's not hard to figure out how to tell if you need new tires. Look for these signs, and get your tires replaced as soon as you can if you see signs of wear. It could save your life.
Having trouble with your car? Call us today at (484) 358-6784. We can help.