If you have been visiting your auto shop more frequently than usual for urgent tire repair, it is probably time to replace your old tires. However, it may cause you some anxiety thinking about putting out so much money on new tires although you realize that your car will ride smoother and be safer to drive. You find yourself wondering if your tires could last a little while longer.
So how do you know when you need new tires on your car? Here are two ways in which you can determine if it’s time to replace your old tires:
- Penny test. Place a Lincoln penny upside down into the tread. Be sure to test several different spots about 15 inches apart as tread typically wears in uneven patterns. If you can see most of Lincoln’s head over the tread, it is definitely time for new tires.
- Wear Bars. Most newer tires have built-in “wear bars.” If this bar becomes visible (flush with the outside of the tread), you may notice your tires start to roar as you drive down the road.
If your tires still have plenty of tread wear left, there are a few maintenance tips to help keep them on the road for a few more miles:
- Check inflation pressure frequently. It can change with changing temperatures. Your vehicle will handle better with better fuel economy.
- Rotate tires. A tire rotation about every 6,000 to 8,000 miles will help the tread wear more evenly.
- Check wheel alignment about every other oil change. It is quick and easy to have the alignment adjusted if needed. This will help the rubber and tread on your tires wear in more even patterns.
- Check the overall condition. As well as checking the tread wear, check for cuts in the rubber and sidewalls on a regular basis.
- Avoid Overloading. Overloading the maximum load capacity of your vehicle adds excessive pressure on your tires.
What should you do if you feel unusual vibrations or steering problems? Slow down and drive carefully to a tire repair shop. Or, it may be necessary to replace the bad tire with the spare, or in the worst case, call a tow truck.
Have more questions about how do you know when you need new tires on your car? Contact our ASE Certified Technicians at Clausen Automotive, The Hybrid Shop, for more information about tire repair and to schedule an appointment. Since 1975, our family-owned auto shop has proudly served vehicle owners in Madison, WI, and the surrounding communities.
If you have been visiting your auto shop more frequently than usual for urgent tire repair, it is probably time to replace your old tires. However, it may cause you some anxiety thinking about putting out so much money on new tires although you realize that your car will ride smoother and be safer to drive. You find yourself wondering if your tires could last a little while longer.
So how do you know when you need new tires on your car? Here are two ways in which you can determine if it’s time to replace your old tires:
- Penny test. Place a Lincoln penny upside down into the tread. Be sure to test several different spots about 15 inches apart as tread typically wears in uneven patterns. If you can see most of Lincoln’s head over the tread, it is definitely time for new tires.
- Wear Bars. Most newer tires have built-in “wear bars.” If this bar becomes visible (flush with the outside of the tread), you may notice your tires start to roar as you drive down the road.
If your tires still have plenty of tread wear left, there are a few maintenance tips to help keep them on the road for a few more miles:
- Check inflation pressure frequently. It can change with changing temperatures. Your vehicle will handle better with better fuel economy.
- Rotate tires. A tire rotation about every 6,000 to 8,000 miles will help the tread wear more evenly.
- Check wheel alignment about every other oil change. It is quick and easy to have the alignment adjusted if needed. This will help the rubber and tread on your tires wear in more even patterns.
- Check the overall condition. As well as checking the tread wear, check for cuts in the rubber and sidewalls on a regular basis.
- Avoid Overloading. Overloading the maximum load capacity of your vehicle adds excessive pressure on your tires.
What should you do if you feel unusual vibrations or steering problems? Slow down and drive carefully to a tire repair shop. Or, it may be necessary to replace the bad tire with the spare, or in the worst case, call a tow truck.
Have more questions about how do you know when you need new tires on your car? Contact our ASE Certified Technicians at Clausen Automotive, The Hybrid Shop, for more information about tire repair and to schedule an appointment. Since 1975, our family-owned auto shop has proudly served vehicle owners in Madison, WI, and the surrounding communities.
