Tires are one of the most important parts of your vehicle, since they are the only parts that touch the road. Because they can transport you thousands of miles, the road wears them down over time, and eventually they will need to be replaced. When your tires are not changed frequently enough, they won’t be able to grip the road, and this increases the risk of an accident.
Experts recommend that you replace your tires every six years at a maximum, but other problems could cause you to need a tire change sooner than that. If you don’t know how to tell when you need a tire change, don’t worry. Here are three signs to watch out for:
- Low Tire Tread- If the tread on your tires is not deep enough, your vehicle will lose traction and become harder to control. It can even slow down your braking. All around, low tire tread can be dangerous, so it’s important to replace these tires. You can find out the tire tread depth by putting an upside-down penny in the groove. If you can see the top of Lincoln’s head, your tires don’t have enough tread and you need a tire change.
- Cracks- Sidewall cracks in your tires are never a good sign. Cracks indicate that the rubber is worn, and if you don’t replace your worn-out tires, you could experience a tire blowout that puts you and others on the road in danger.
- Low Tire Pressure- You may notice low tire pressure because the warning light came on or because you noticed strange changes in your driving experience. Low tire pressure may not necessarily mean you need a tire change, but it is often indicative of a serious issue, so it doesn’t hurt to get it checked out by a professional and get a new tire if they deem it necessary.