There are lots of things we put off in our lives. However, replacing tires shouldn’t be one of them. Waiting can put you at greater risk of having an accident, lower your vehicle’s performance, and lead to increased costs of repairs or replacements. You will also break the law if your tires don’t meet the minimum tread depth. Here are four signs to look out for that your tires could need replacing.
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Insufficient Tread Depth
If there is little or no tread on tires, this can be dangerous, particularly on wet surfaces. The minimum should be 1.6 mm, but if you often drive in the rain and other harsh conditions, you should aim for twice that. Otherwise, you will experience longer stopping distances, which increases your chances of an accident.
Low-tread tires can also mean a higher chance of punctures and blowouts, besides reducing fuel efficiency. One simple way to check the tread on older tires that don’t have tread wear indicator bars is to use a penny. If you insert this between the grooves (with the head facing down), you can still see Lincoln’s entire head; the tread is too low and you need new tires.
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Uneven Wear on the Inside
If you notice the tire tread worn on inside of the tires, it could be time to replace your tires. However, if this happens regularly, you might benefit from speaking to a professional and ensuring your new tires are fitted correctly and that your wheel alignment is proper.
Avoid driving with tires in this condition because it could lead to steering and suspension problems. It may be tempting to drive short distances, but it’s not worth the risk to you and your family’s safety.
The issue could also be a puncture causing the misalignment. It could also be caused by the toe settings going out of alignment or worn ball joints. Unless you’re skilled in fixing these types of issues, it can be quicker and more cost-effective to have a professional fix the problem, and you can avoid making it worse.
This should make your new tires last longer and make your vehicle safer.
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Excessive Vibration While Driving
There will always be some vibration while driving. However, too much wear can indicate you need new tires, especially if this often happens, even when you’re not driving on rougher terrain.
Continuing to drive when there’s too much vibration can cause severe tire damage, but there are other problems you should check for before buying new tires. Too much vibration could be caused by brakes that need to be fixed, broken motor mounts, worn-out parts, low levels of transmission fluid, or problems with your suspension system.
Tires needing replacement are just one possibility out of many others. So if you’re asking yourself, “When do I need new tires? It helps to get your car looked at by someone qualified to look for all the possibilities, including those you may have overlooked.
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Cracks or Bulges in the Tire
Cracks or bulges in your tires are a serious safety concern and can put you at risk of a tire blowout while driving. Exposure to the elements, like sunlight and extreme temperatures, can cause cracks, weakening the tire’s structure. Bulges can be caused by impacts, such as hitting a pothole or curb. Cracks and bulges can cause a loss of air pressure and affect the tire’s performance.
If you notice any cracks or bulges on your tires, it’s important to replace them immediately. Driving on damaged tires can increase the risk of an accident and cause further damage to your vehicle. Regularly inspecting your tires for any signs of damage is essential for your safety on the road. If you’re unsure about the condition of your tires, it’s always best to have a professional mechanic inspect them to ensure your safety.
Regularly checking your tires will help you notice any potential problems. Whether you need tires, new parts, a service for your vehicle, or a new car, Allways Atascosa will be happy to help you.
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