Have you ever been driving down the freeway and thought, “When should I replace my tires?” It’s an important question to ask, especially considering that 9% of car accidents are caused by issues related to tires. Tires are designed well, but after some time, tires lose their grip, and become thin, which may cause problems when you’re on the road. Therefore, it’s important to know what to look for and when it’s time to replace your tires.
When Should I Replace My Tires? 4 Signs to Lookout For
1. Low Tread Depth
The little grooves in your tires can get worn down over time. The less depth they have, the less friction, and grip they’ll have on the road. This can make it more difficult to steer or even break while you’re driving.
As a rule of thumb, you should change your tires once the tread depth is around 2/32″ of an inch. For comparison, most new tires are around 10/32″ deep. Some tires have built-in tread wear indicators, although you can also buy a tread gauge or use the penny test to measure.
2. Age
The age of your tires is another important factor to consider. Over time, tires will start to degrade, even if you aren’t driving often. Tires generally last around 6 years or between 35,000 and 75,000 miles. Most professionals will say that tires should not be older than 6 to 10 years from the manufacturing date.
This also applies to spare tires. If you’ve had the spare tire for longer than 10 years, it’s time to change it (even if it’s never been used).
3. Wear and Tear
When doing a tire check, it’s crucial that you look for signs of tire wear and tear. Besides normal thread wear, tires can get punctured or damaged while on the road. You may also see that they are overloaded or improperly inflated, which can also cause issues. If you see any signs of damage, you will likely need to replace your tires before the 10-year mark.
Another important sign to look out for is your tire’s pressure. You can buy a simple tire pressure tool to check this on a regular basis. If the tire is severely damaged, it won’t hold pressure, causing air to continuously leak out. Sometimes this is reparable, but in most cases, you’ll need to replace the whole thing.
If you’re looking for damage and wondering if you should replace tires, then ask a professional. Remember, your car should go for a routine service a few times a year! Having a tire rotation can ensure that wheels wear and tear evenly, preventing one from wearing out too quickly.
4. Driving Capability
While you should be checking your tires every month or so, there are other ways to tell if they need replacing. While driving, you might notice that things feel a bit different. If you feel like the car is slipping when it’s raining, then the tread may be worn down.
With some newer models, you might get a warning light when your car loses traction. But either way, you should pay attention to how the car drives to make sure you’re staying safe.
It’s important to take road conditions into consideration when your car starts slipping. If the pavement’s icy, you might want to think about buying tire chains. When in doubt, get your car evaluated by a mechanic.
Buying New Tires
Professionals recommend that you replace all four tires at once (especially if you have a four-wheel drive). This is because your car handles best when the tires are identical as possible. If one tire has a different pressure or tread depth, it could impact the car and your ability to drive.
If your car needs any other tuning, then turn to BuyAutoParts.com. They sell compressors, gearboxes, wiper blades, and other parts for hundreds of brands and models.
Whether you’re commuting to work or driving to a vacation getaway, your car should be as safe as it can be. Therefore, it’s recommended that you keep an eye on how well your tires are doing. You can also fly to your destination by using Qatar Airways.
So, the next time you wonder, “when should I replace my tires?”, keep this article handy! We also have an in-depth guide to walk you through everything you need to change your tires on your own. And make sure to run through this healthy vehicle checklist to see if there’s anything else you’re missing out on!
