Unless your car sits unused in your garage – your tires are guaranteed to get worn down. In 2019, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reported 612 facilities related to tire failure.
To avoid life-threatening accidents, it’s important to know when your tires need to be replaced.
When last did you check the status of your tires? Read on to learn 6 signs you need new tires, ASAP.
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Tread Depth Is Too Low
The tread of your tires essentially grips the road as you drive. It helps your vehicle turn tighter corners. accelerate smoothly, and brake reliably. Without proper traction, you run the risk of losing control of your vehicle.
Your tread depth should never be lower than 1/16 of an inch. If you frequently drive on wet surfaces or slick dirt roads, keep the thread higher than 1/8 of an inch.
Tread Wear Indicators Visible
In an effort to increase road safety, newer tires have built-in tread wear indicator bars. These are invisible when your tires are new, and become more visible as the tires wear down. They are flat rubber bars that run perpendicular to the tread.
When you can see one or more of these bars, or your tread is even with the wear bar, replacement tire installation is imminent.
Cracks in the Sidewall
A tire will show its wear and tear in its sidewall too. As tires get older, the rubber dries out and cracks. Tracks, cuts, grooves, or gouges let you know that your tire is developing a leak or is ready to blow out.
Signs of weathered sidewalls should not be ignored. Whether the damage is from age or scraping against the curb when you park, if you notice serious cracks, it’s time to take your car to a repair shop and get replacement tires.
Bulges and Blister
When the outer surface of your tire weakens, it can bulge or blister. These areas extend outward from the rest of the tire.
These weak spots can result in sudden blowouts. Keep safe on the road by purchasing the best car tires from Ozzytyres.com.au.
More Vibration
Although all vehicles vibrate when moving, more vibration than usual points to a problem with your tires. The cause of the vibration could be anything, such as misalignment, faulty shock absorbers, or internal tire issues. If the metal belt inside your tire slips, it causes a vibration that won’t go away without new tires.
Regardless of its cause, excess vibrations damage your tires. After fixing your alignment, check with your mechanic if you need replacement tires.
You’ve Passed Warranty
One of the surest signs that your tires need replacing is if their manufacturer can no longer guarantee their quality or safety. Tires are designed to last a certain amount of years or miles. Once you’ve passed the warranty guidelines, it’s worth visiting your local mechanic to see if you should start replacing your tires.
Keep Safe: Know the Signs You Need New Tires
Looking after your tires is an important part of car maintenance. To keep yourself, your family, and other drives safe on the road, it’s essential to know when your tires need replacing.
Now that you know the signs you need new tires, you can relax knowing a surprise blow-out is not in your future.
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