Your tires are one of your vehicle's most critical safety components. The tires are your car's only contact point with the road, so ensuring they are in good condition is important. Driving on worn, damaged, or under-inflated tires can be hazardous, especially in adverse weather conditions. Knowing when it's time to replace tires is essential for your and your passengers' safety. Our service center would like to share some helpful tips on checking your tires.
Check Tread Depth Regularly
One of the easiest ways to know when to replace your tires is by checking the tread depth. Tires have built-in wear bars that become exposed when the tread depth reaches 2/32nd of an inch. You can also use a tread depth gauge or even a penny to check. Place a penny upside down in a tread groove - if you can see the top of Lincoln's head, your tread is too low, and it's time for new tires. Tires with a tread below 2/32nd of an inch won't provide sufficient gripping power, especially on wet roads around Groveport.
Consider the Age of Your Tires
Even if your tires seem to have adequate tread, they may still need to be replaced due to age. Tires degrade over time due to exposure to the elements, even if they are only driven on sometimes. Most manufacturers recommend replacing tires after six to 10 years, regardless of tread depth near Pickerington.
Watch for Uneven Wear or Damage
Inspect your tires regularly for any signs of uneven wear, indicating an issue with wheel alignment, balance, or suspension components. If you notice that the inside or outside of the tread is wearing faster, or if there are cups, dips, or bald spots, check the alignment and suspension. Proper wheel alignment helps ensure even tread wear and extends tire life for Columbus drivers.
Consider Your Driving Conditions
Your driving habits and conditions greatly influence how often you'll need new tires. If you frequently haul heavy loads, drive off-road, or commute long on rough roads, your tires will wear out faster. Performance tires on sports cars also tend to have a shorter lifespan. Lancaster area drivers with the longest tread life should choose tires with a high treadwear rating and rotate them every 5,000 miles.
Get a Professional Inspection Near the Lancaster Area
If you're uncomfortable checking your tires or just want a second opinion, visit the experts in the Jeff Wyler Columbus Auto Mall service center. We'll conduct a thorough multipoint inspection and measure the tread depth to let you know if a new set of tires should be in your near future. We look forward to seeing you down the road.