How do you know when your car’s in need of brand new tires? If you’re like most Americans, you probably don’t until a mechanic tells you. But tire replacement is much more important than you think — in fact, old tires can have their tread ripped off completely while the car is in motion, leading to disasters and even death behind the wheel.
You don’t have to buy new tires from your local tire shop every year to avoid these troubles. You do, however, need to keep an eye on your tires and the problems you’re facing with your entire wheel set — rims included — to prevent accidents from happening in the first place. So, how do you really know when your car needs a set of new tires? Watch out for these three important warning signs.
Good tread, bad cracks.
One of the biggest misconceptions about tires is that they only need to be replaced when their tread is low or when they’re experiencing major damages like holes or tears. But a wheel with plenty of tread left on it can still be in need of replacing if its edges are cracked and worn due to use. Cracks can even be a sign of something more serious like the tires beginning to separate on the inside. Of course, these warning signs are hard to spot, so ask the experts at your local tire shop.
Noisy tires on the road.
Any driver, no matter how inexperienced they are, can recognize the sound of a flapping tire and why it’s dangerous. Flapping tires are often blown out or flat, making for hazardous conditions if the car’s out on the road. But when a tire’s suffering from some kind of interior issue like separating steel belts, you might not be able to tell unless you pay attention to the noise it’s making. A noisy tire might just mean a damaged tire that’s in dire need of replacement. Again, the only way to know for sure is to let experts at auto repair services diagnose it for you.
Under- and over-inflation.
This is perhaps the easiest one to miss but still the easiest one to spot yourself. An under-inflated tire will sag and could pop unexpectedly when the vehicle is in motion. Low tire pressure can also lead to steering issues as the car drags on one side around a turn. But too much pressure can also be hazardous in eroding your tire’s tread prematurely, causing you to have to buy new tires altogether. Always keep a gauge handy in your car in order to determine the right road conditions for your tires.
Whether you want to invest in high-caliber premium tires or keep it simple with the basics, it’s important to listen to the experts at your local tire shop. For more information, always talk it over with the folks you know your car the best. References: jbctire.com
