Time For New Tires?

Posted on August 31, 2011 by Telesis

It’s an inevitable fact of life, tires get old and worn out. Because the performance of your tires is critical to the safety of you and your passengers, as well as the efficiency of your vehicle, it’s a good idea to check your tires once a month for visible damage and excess wear. This will help you determine if they are safe to drive on, or in need of service or replacement. If you think your vehicle may need new tires, here are some simple ways to help you decide.

Tire Basics
Most tires usually last around 30 to 50 thousand miles depending on many factors such as proper inflation, alignment, rotation servicing, rating of tires, usage, and road conditions. Tires become unsafe when they’re worn, and the tread is below 1/16th of an inch (1.6mm). If you regularly drive on slick, wet surfaces, you’ll need more tread than that. If the tread is worn below 1/16 of an inch, water can’t be channeled away from the tread. The result is hydroplaning at high speeds – which can be deadly. Snow traction also decreases as tires wear.

The Penny Test
One way to tell if your tire’s tread is worn out is by placing a penny upside down into the shallowest tread groove with Lincoln’s head facing you. If you can see the very top of Lincoln’s head or the copper above it, replace the tires immediately.

Look For Wear Bars
Wear bars provide another way to visually indicate that a tire has worn down. These narrow bands appear in the grooves across the tread of the tire. Wear bars are not as deep as the rest of the groove. When the wear bars become flush with the tire’s tread, only 1/16 inch of tread remains. At this point, it’s time to replace the tires.

Note Irregular Tread Wear Or Damage
Irregular tread wear could indicate a wheel misalignment, worn suspension or the need for tire rotation. Uneven tread wear is a sign that you need to take your car to a qualified mechanic for servicing. If tire sidewalls are severely cracked or there are bulges anywhere on the tire, they should be replaced.

Replace Tires Every 6 Years
The minimum replacement time that is recommended by vehicle manufacturers is six years regardless of use, with 10 years being the maximum service life for tires. Check your owner’s manual for specific recommendations related to your car.