5 Signs That You Need New Tires

Hands of mechanic changing a wheel of a modern carMaintaining your vehicle’s tires is crucial to the overall well-being of your car. That’s why our friends at How Stuff Works have put together this list of five warning signs that may mean you need new tires.

Tread Depth

Tread on your vehicle’s tires should never go below 1/16 of an inch in depth. While gauges exist that measure tire tread depth, one cheap way to measure depth only takes a penny. Just insert the penny head down, and if Lincoln’s entire head is showing then that means it’s time for new tires.

The Tread Wear Indicator Bar

Newer tires come with indicator bars built in. While they are barely visible when the tires are new, as the tires wear the indicator bars will become more prominent indicating the need to replace them. Be sure to use the penny test listed above to double-check your tread depth. 

Cracks in the Sidewall

Aside from the tread, another sign of needing new tires would be cracks in the sidewall. If cuts or grooves are visible, that means your tire is leaking air, and could lead to a costly blowout. So, if the cracks or grooves appear to be serious, be sure to get your vehicle into a body shop as soon as possible.

Bulges and Blisters on the Tire

Oftentimes the outer surface of your vehicle’s tires can become compromised — this can be seen in bulges on the outside of the tire. This weak spot can cause spontaneous blowouts, and can be very dangerous if driving at high speeds. 

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Too Much Vibration

While a little vibration is common while driving, too much vibration can cause damage to your vehicle’s tires. These vibrations can be caused by numerous malfunctions including misaligned or unbalanced tires, or a sign that your shock absorbers are in need of repair. 

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