How Do You Know When You Need New Tires On Your Car?

If you have been visiting your auto repair shop more frequently than normal for urgent tire repair, it is probably time to change your old tires.  Though, it may cause you some anxiety thinking about putting out so much money on new tires although you realize that your car will trip 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 easy ways in which you can determine it’s time to purchase new tires:

• Penny test. Place a Lincoln penny upside down into the tread on several spots about 15 inches apart around the tire. If you can see most of Lincoln’s head over the tread, it is definitely time for new tires.
• Wear Bars.  Many of the new tires have built-in “wear bars.”  If this bar becomes visible, 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 various maintenance tips to help keep them on the road for a few more miles:

• Inspect inflation pressure frequently.  It can change with changing temperatures.  Your vehicle will handle better with better fuel efficiency.
• Rotate tires.  A tire rotation about every 6K to 8K miles will help the tread wear more evenly.
• Inspect 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.
• Inspect the overall condition.  As well as inspect the tread wear, inspect 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 issues?  Slow down and drive carefully to a tire repair shop.  Or, it may be compulsory 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?  Call our ASE Certified Mechanics at Clausen Automotive, The Hybrid Shop, for more information about tire repair service and to request an appointment. Since 1975, our family-owned auto repair shop has proudly served vehicle owners in Madison, WI, and the surrounding communities.