Your tires are all that separates you from the road, so it’s crucial to take care of them. A big part of tire care involves knowing when to change tires.
What’s more, doing so can lower your chances of a car accident!
So when exactly is it time to say goodbye to those old tires? Keep reading as we list four signs you should know about!
1. One or More Tires Are Punctured
Just because you’re safe on the road doesn’t mean everyone else is. Dropping bottles, nails, or debris of any kind can lead to potentially fatal accidents.
But even if you’re lucky enough to avoid a collision, you’re not quite out of the woods. Debris can puncture your tire, causing a blowout or a slow leak of air pressure.
Though you can fix the situation temporarily by adding a patch or changing a tire, you’ll need to replace the affected tire as soon as possible.
If you don’t know how to change a tire or if your spare is flat, your best bet is to call a roadside assistance service like sosmobiletire.com. They should be able to either tow your vehicle or bring a new spare that will help you to your next destination.
2. Lost Treading
Have you noticed that your car steers a bit differently these days? It might not be your imagination.
It could be that your tires are so old that they’re losing their treading, the top part of the tire that keeps your vehicle stable.
The good news is that it’s pretty easy to tell when this is the case. Newer tires having bars that become visible once a tire’s tread is gone.
If you haven’t changed your tires in a few years, you can also follow the penny test.
Grab a penny and put it upside down onto your tire’s tread. If you can see Abe Lincoln’s forehead, it’s time for new tires.
3. They’re Old
Your tires should last about 10 years depending on your driving style and road structure.
If it’s been about that long or you can’t remember the last time you replaced your tires, head into a tire shop or call your mechanic. You could be using old tires that are bound to blow at any moment.
4. Air Pressure Issues
It’s good practice to add some air to your tires every few months, just to add to their longevity.
So what happens if you’re making trips to the convenience store air hose more than that? You’re looking at a worn tire, most likely.
It’s also possible that there’s a leak somewhere on the tire.
In either instance, it’s time to retire your tire.
Change Tires, Change Your Drive
A new set of tires makes a world of difference. So if you notice any of the four signs above, reach out to a car service or visit your local auto shop because it’s time to change tires.
And if you’re interested in learning more about how to keep your vehicle road-ready, make sure to check out the rest of our auto blog for more news and tips!