Ever had a tire blown out? Is the rear end of your vehicle going the opposite direction? If you happen to find yourself in a “too late” situation with your tires, then don’t worry because Triangle Tires is here for you! As with other products from manufacturers, tires don’t have an unlimited lifespan. Here are some tips for you on how to check if you need new tires. You should always be proactive when it comes to the four (or more) essential parts of your vehicle, regardless of driving experience.
How to Check If You Need New Tires
Tip #1: Check your tire codes.
Make sure your tires are less than 6 to 10 years old. Even if they aren’t low tread. Low tread tires are tires that have smoothened out and lost their grip on the road (traction). Tires start to dry out and break down even with perfect tread.
You can tell this by the numbers on the sidewall of your tires. For example, if the last numbers on your tire are 3019, then that means it was in the 30th week of 2019. When you buy tires, make sure they were made recently as much as possible.
Tip #2: Inspect the tread (and treadwear indicators).
You can locate a tire’s treadwear indicators by looking at pointers or arrows that are located on the sidewalls of tires and following them to the grooves that align with those pointers or arrows. Those grooves are treadwear indicators. Judging by the bumps or unevenness the treadwear indicators have, you will know when to change your tires. Although, to be more specific, the depth of the treadwear indicator is what you should definitely focus on to know when to change your tires.
You can check this with a one-peso coin or a penny, if you have one. If the year indicated on the one-peso coin or the face of Lincoln on the penny is partially visible when you insert it into the tread indicator groove, then the tire’s still fine. If everything is visible when you insert either the one-peso coin or penny into the groove, then it might be time to get a new tire. Deeper grooves mean better tires.
Tip #3: Look for obvious signs.
These are signs that will definitely make you want to stop by the side of the road and check yourself. Sure signs and situations of when to check or change your tires are:
- If they are sliced
- If they have over .25-inch punctures
- If they have sidewall punctures
- If they are 6 years old or older (3 to 4 years old for motorcycles)
- If the tread is uneven (cupping)
- If the rubber is cracked
Tires’ lifespans decrease because of several factors like driving habits, terrain, and temperature. These factors reduce the traction your tires need to stay in contact with the surface you’re driving on. As a result, the tire treads get unevenly worn out. While having a spare tire on hand helps, you would want to put off that tire-changing event for as long as you can. Too high are the risks of using tires that are way past their “shelf life.” Therefore, it is always vital to know when you need new tires.
Having good tires means your experiences down the road will be safer, which also means you being totally responsible and accountable on the road. Be safe. Don’t let your tires get too tired! Or you will be.
Author’s Bio:
Frank is an energetic salesman. On his free days, he spends his time writing and reading about quality tires and vehicular parts. He says it’s because of his love for cars ever since he was a kid, when his dad started teaching him about automotive parts.
