Tires 101: How to Easily Check If It's Time to Change them
Tire safety and performance are essential for a smooth and safe driving experience. Regularly checking tread depth, sidewalls, tire pressure, and wear patterns helps you spot issues early. If your tires show cracks, bulges, uneven wear, or are older than 6 years, it’s time to replace them. Stay proactive by rotating your tires regularly, monitoring vibrations, and ensuring your spare is in top shape.
Tires 101: How to Easily Check If It’s Time to Change Them
Tires are one of the most critical parts of your car when it comes to safety, performance, and fuel efficiency. Driving on worn-out tires can compromise your car's handling and put you at risk of accidents. Fortunately, checking if it’s time for a tire change is simple! Follow these easy steps to ensure your tires are in good shape and learn when to replace them.
1. Inspect the Tread Depth
- Why It Matters:
Tread provides grip on the road, especially in wet or slippery conditions. Worn treads reduce traction, increasing the risk of skidding. - How to Check:
Use the penny test—place a penny head-down into the tread. If Lincoln’s head is fully visible, it’s time to replace your tires.
2. Look for Cracks or Bulges
- Why It Matters:
Cracks and bulges in the tire’s sidewall indicate structural damage, which could lead to a blowout. - What to Do:
If you see any cracks, bulges, or bubbles, replace the tire immediately. These are signs of wear, age, or internal damage.
3. Check the Tire Pressure Regularly
- Why It Matters:
Under-inflated or over-inflated tires wear unevenly and reduce fuel efficiency. They also affect your car’s handling and braking performance. - How to Check:
Use a tire pressure gauge monthly. Compare your readings to the recommended pressure listed in your owner’s manual or on the sticker inside the driver’s door.
4. Monitor Uneven Wear
- Why It Matters:
Uneven wear could mean your tires are out of alignment or need rotating. If left unchecked, unevenly worn tires will need replacement sooner than expected. - How to Check:
Look for tread wear on one side of the tire or patterns of bald spots. If you notice this, schedule a tire rotation or alignment.
5. Check for Vibration While Driving
- Why It Matters:
Excessive vibration when driving could indicate tire imbalance, uneven wear, or damaged tires. - What to Do:
If you feel unusual vibrations, inspect the tires and get them balanced or replaced as needed.
6. Pay Attention to Tread Wear Indicators
- Why It Matters:
Modern tires come with tread wear indicators—raised bars that appear across the tread when it’s too worn. - How to Check:
If you see these bars flush with the surrounding tread, it’s time for new tires.
7. Know the Tire’s Age
- Why It Matters:
Even if the tread looks fine, old tires can become brittle and prone to failure. Most tires have a lifespan of 6-10 years. - How to Check:
Look for the DOT code on the sidewall. The last four digits represent the week and year of manufacture (e.g., 2021 means 21st week of the year 2021).
8. Watch Out for Punctures or Repairs
- Why It Matters:
Multiple repairs or punctures in certain areas (like the sidewall) compromise the tire’s safety. - What to Do:
Replace tires that have multiple punctures or sidewall damage, even if patched.
9. Rotate Your Tires Every 5,000 to 8,000 Miles
- Why It Matters:
Rotating your tires ensures even wear, extending their lifespan and improving performance. - What to Do:
Stick to a regular rotation schedule—your tires will wear evenly and last longer.
10. Keep a Spare Tire in Good Condition
- Why It Matters:
A flat tire can happen anytime, so having a reliable spare tire is essential. - What to Do:
Check the air pressure and condition of your spare regularly to ensure it's ready when needed.
