There are numerous indicators to look out for that will cause you to buy new tires for your vehicle. However, attempting to figure out the precise time span for how long your tires last is nearly impossible.
There are numerous elements that factor into the longevity and mileage of a tire, subject to:
- Weather forecast
- Tire’s model type
- Driving routine
- How driver handles tires
- Road’s habitat
What we do know is, that the more beating a tire takes on, the more likelihood that it is unsafe to drive. A tire tread’s initial design is to reroute water from beneath the tire, which leads to improvements in traction on the road and less hydroplaning when the ground is wet. The more worn that the tire gets, the more undependable it gets. Once the tire shallows down to 1/16th of an inch, it is considered totally unsafe. Professionals, however, suggest that you don’t wait until your tires get to that point to get new tires because your safety will be in jeopardy in bad weather conditions.
SIGNS YOU NEED NEW TIRES
All modern tires sold in the U.S. have “tread wear bars,” which are small raised rubber bars in the grooves of your tires. When you look at your tire tread, you’ll see these bars running between the tread. If you see these bars are flush with your tire tread, it’s time for new tires. Another easy way to tell if you need new tires is the penny test. Simply take a penny and place Lincoln’s head in one of the grooves of your tire tread. If you can see all of Lincoln’s head, then head to a tire shop for new tires. While you’re inspecting your tires, check a few different spots for any irregular tread wear. This could indicate you need a wheel alignment as well as new tires.
ROUTINE WHEEL ALIGNMENTS CAN HELP YOUR NEW TIRES LAST LONGER
Popularly known as the penny test, testing your tires treads will cost you a small amount of one penny. And the best part is that you get to keep the penny after! You’ll insert the penny into a tread groove and repeat this process for several tread grooves. The way that you know the tire tread are worn and unsafe is if the top of Lincoln’s head is showing. In this scenario, you will want to replace your tires as soon as possible. However, if part of Lincoln’s head is covered by the tread each time, then you have about 2/32 of an inch remaining and don’t need new tires as urgently.
TIRE ALIGNMENT
Regardless of the amount of time and care you put into your tires, there are still other elements out of your control that effect your tires. If you live in an area with jarring weather conditions or your tires are starting to age, the elasticity begins to get loose and cracks appear along the outside. Small cracks shouldn’t cause for any worry, however if you begin to see a re-occurrence of splintering you are definitely going to want to take your car into a shop to get your tires further examined.
