From commuting to work or school and running errands around
town, your tires are important parts of your automobile. Because of their
importance and function, the tires can experience a great deal of wear and tear
over time. Unfortunately, your vehicle's tires don’t last forever.
Age can be an important factor when determining if you need
to replace your tires. On average, tire tread will last between 3 and 4 years
if you drive 12,000 to 15,000 per year. However, everyone drives their automobile differently,
meaning you may drive more miles per year than another driver with the same
type of tires.
Other than age, here are a few other signs that can tell you
if and when you need new tires.
1. Insufficient Tread
Only a small portion of the actual tire makes contact with
the road when driving, so you will want this portion to be strong and durable
at all times. Of course, this portion does wear down, decreasing the overall
tire tread and reducing your vehicle's ability to stay safe on the road.
Many people can see visible tread wear, but some wear may
not be as noticeable. Therefore, regularly inspecting your tread is imperative.
Although perhaps surprising to learn, a coin can be a great
option for measuring your tire tread.
In the past, the penny test was recommended for checking
tread. Insert the penny with Lincoln's head facing down in between a few areas
of tread. If you see all of Lincoln's head, your tires do not have a sufficient
amount of tread.
Today, more experts recommend a quarter to test the tire
tread. Stick the quarter, head facing down, into a few areas of your tread.
Some of Washington's head will be covered, but if his entire head still shows,
you probably need new tires. The quarter test is likely your best option for
ensuring your tire tread is safe.
2. Uneven Tread Wear
The tread wear patterns will vary according to a few factors
including the type of tire, vehicle, and your overall driving pattern and
conditions. If the tread wears down unevenly across the tire, you not only need
new tires, but you may also have another underlying issue to address with your
vehicle.
If your vehicle is out of alignment, your tire tread will
wear down faster. A misalignment will most likely cause the inner or outer
edges of the tire tread to wear down excessively.
If the tread in the center of your tire has worn out more
than the inner or outer edges, your tire is probably overinflated.
Underinflated tires often show more tread wear on the outer edges than the
center.
Finally, if you notice cupping, which is where tread wears
down in spots diagonally across the tire, your vehicle likely has a suspension
issue.
3. Excess Vibration
You will experience some vibration and movement when you
drive your automobile. Unfortunately, a heavier amount of vibration could mean
you have an issue with your vehicle.
For example, if your vehicle vibrates heavily when applying
the brakes, you may need new brake pads and rotors. On the other hand, if you
notice excess vibration when in motion, you may need new tires.
Tires that are worn, underinflated, overinflated, or
unbalanced will often cause your vehicle to vibrate when
going between 20 to 40 MPH and then again at 60 to 70 MPH.
The vibration may seem like just a nuisance, but the
vibration will wear down the tread even further. In addition, without
addressing the issue, driving on problematic tires can lead to a dangerous
accident, especially in wet, slippery conditions.
If you notice one or more of the above signs, contact Radial
Tire Service for maintenance or a tire replacement.
