Has it been a while since you got new tires? Have you recently had a flat tire or a tire blowout, requiring a tire repair? Are you driving on a spare tire, or is your car vibrating a lot? Driving with bad tires is dangerous and not something to be taken lightly, as it can make your car difficult to handle and decrease the integrity of your car’s connection to the road. In some cases, all new tires are in order, or maybe you just need a tire repair if you a drove over a nail or something similar. It’s also possible you need a wheel alignment if your tires are unbalanced. Read on for more answers to the question, “When do I need new tires?”
Tire Alignment
Did you know you can determine the condition of your tires for as low as one cent? Most commonly known as the penny test, you can test your tire’s tread by inserting your penny into various grooves along the tread. If the top of Lincoln’s head is showing when you put the penny in, that means that tread is low and your tires are unsafe. At this point you’ll want to seriously consider replacing your tires. On the other hand, if you can’t see Lincoln’s head, that means you have about 2/32 of an inch remaining before you need to think about getting new tires.
Other Components
There are still many other factors contribute to the determent of tires that are often out of your control, which includes weather cracking and sidewall integrity. As tires either age or are exposed to extreme weather conditions, the rubber begins to lose elasticity and cracks appear on the surface. Some cracking might not mean you need new tires, but if you notice a lot of splintering, it's a good idea to take your car to a tire shop where a professional can help you determine if you need new tires.
Tire Alignment
If you have questions about new tires, tire repair, or whether you need a wheel alignment, please call our auto repair shop. Our tire techs are extremely knowledgeable when it comes to making new tire recommendations and handling tire repairs. For wheel alignments, we use state-of-the-art equipment and strictly adhere to your vehicle manufacturer’s alignment specifications. You can trust us to do right by you and your tires.