Tires are an essential part of any vehicle, allowing you to travel across surfaces smoothly and efficiently. Although many car owners might not think too much about tires when they are on the road, it’s important to know when you need to change your tires for your own safety.
With this in mind, let’s explore how often you should replace your tires.
How to know when to replace your tires
To start with, knowing when to replace your tires is key for protecting yourself on the road but also for the performance of your vehicle. If you get a new set of tires, it’s crucial to be aware of how long they last. While there is no set length for tire life, you should get a minimum of 20,000 miles out of front tires on a front-wheel-drive car.
Rear tires need to be changed even less because they can handle more miles. In general, you should replace tires every 6 years, but this can vary based on several factors like vehicle weight, driving style, position, speed, pressure, and alignment, all of which can all impact how long your tires last. Although tires can last a long time, things can go wrong on the road, so you need to be aware of some warning signs alerting you that it’s time to change them.
One way to tell if it’s time to get new tires is if the tread bar is flush with the tire tread. Tread wear bars are small, raised bits of rubber that run between the tread blocks. If these bars become even with the top of the tread, it is likely that you’ll need to invest in replacement tires for your vehicle.
Additionally, you can use the penny test to assess the tread depth. You can start by inserting a penny into the tread with Lincoln’s head facing down. In general, a tread depth of 2/32 of an inch or less is considered unsafe. If you can see all of Lincoln’s head, it’s time to replace your tires.
Another factor indicating that it’s time to get new tires is if they are showing signs of excessive wear. A quick scan of your tires can let you know if you have cracked tires. If you notice any holes or cracks in the tire, you have sustained irreparable damage. These signs can alert you that you are nearing a tire blowout which is a sudden and explosive loss of air pressure in a tire. This can completely ruin your tires which can be dangerous when driving because you could lose complete control of the vehicle. Similarly, if something doesn’t feel right when you are driving and you are experiencing strange vibrations or noises that you don’t recognize, there could be something wrong with your tires. In this case, it’s best to have your tires inspected so that you don’t put yourself at risk.
Tips on how to extend the life of your tires
If you’re concerned about increasing the longevity of your tires, there are some tips you can follow to extend their life. When choosing tires, make sure to pick ones that match your driving style and the conditions you usually drive in. A good way to gauge if tires are durable and reliable is to read reviews and talk to experts to find the best options.
It’s also advisable to check the warranty, as many tires come with coverage for defects and early wear. If you have no experience with installing tires, it is wise to get someone who is qualified in this field to do so. If you install your tires without knowing what you’re doing, you could do more damage than good.
Overall, knowing when to replace your tires is something that every car owner should be aware of. From checking the tread wear bars to seeing if your tires are cracked, there are multiple ways you can ensure that you are well prepared when owning and driving a car by being conscious of the signs of a tire needing replacement.
