One of the most important aspects of vehicle maintenance involves replacing your tires when necessary. Several different strategies can be used to gauge the health of your tires, which can prevent them from failing, which would prove catastrophic. As tires become old and worn, issues other than blowouts can occur. For example, as the tread wears, your tires will not grip the road as well and you may be at greater risk of losing control in wet or icy conditions. Worn tires can also make it more difficult to stop even if your brakes are new. Each year, about 11,000 car accidents occur due to tire wear. For this reason, it is so important to maintain the health of your tires and to replace them as appropriate. Maintaining tire health requires an understanding of the signs that they need to be replaced. They can include the following:
1. Low tread
Perhaps the most common method of gauging the health of your tires is to examine the depth of the remaining tread. Tire companies measure the tread depth to the 2/32 of an inch, and new ones will have between 9/32 inches to 11/32 inches of tread for the most part. Once the tread is down to 2/32 of an inch, the tire is no longer considered safe. An easy way to judge the tread is the penny test. Insert a penny into one of the middle grooves with Abraham Lincoln’s head pointed downward. If you can see all of Lincoln’s head, you need to replace your tires. Alternately, you can use a tread depth gauge for a more accurate reading. However, the penny test is a good starting place to obtain a general sense of tread depth.
2. Old age
Most drivers think of tire health in terms of wear and tear. However, it is important to remember that the rubber will naturally change over time. This change can be impacted by environmental factors, such as where the vehicle is stored. Each tire features an indication of when and where it was made down to the week and year, which can give you a sense of how old it is. Look around the wall of the tire for identification numbers beginning with “DOT.” At the end of this string will be four digits. The first two show the week when it was made, and the last two indicate the year. For the most part, it is recommended that you replace tires that are between 6 and 10 years old, with the exact timing depending on the mileage and weather conditions. If you are unsure about the age, consult with a tire shop for a professional opinion.
3. Vibration
If your vehicle begins to vibrate, particularly at higher speeds, it could be a sign of tire damage. Often, this vibration occurs because the tires wear down in an uneven way. The vibration may start in the steering wheel and spread throughout the entire vehicle over time. Since uneven wear often relates to poor alignment, it is a good idea to consult with a tire professional to address this vibration. While an alignment can often fix the issue, you may need to replace the tires due to uneven wear, which can jeopardize the integrity of the rubber and other components. You may also benefit from a tire rotation or more air pressure. Since uneven wear can be dangerous, this is a good time to obtain a professional opinion.
4. Sidewall damage
When you visibly inspect your tires, look for any signs of damage to the sidewall. Two of the most common signs of damage are bubbles and bulges. These two signs actually indicate that something has happened to the rigid internal frame of the tire. As a result, air pressure reaches the flexible outer layer, which results in the bulge. Since this is a structural issue, it means that the tire needs to be replaced immediately. Other forms of damage include cuts and cracks. Cuts can result from hitting a rock or something else that is sharp on the road. Cracks tend to form over time as the rubber degrades. Just like old rubber bands can become brittle and break easily, tires can get dried out and start to crack. Exposure to heat and sunlight can speed up the cracking process.
5. Tire holes
While holes in a tire are sometimes obvious because air pressure becomes lost quickly, they are not always immediately apparent. You may see a nail or stone embedded in the tire, which should not be ignored. Even if the leak is small, it can grow over time and cause issues while you are driving. For that reason, you should take care of holes immediately, whether that means placing a patch over it or obtaining a completely new tire. If you are not sure which path is correct, you should consult with a tire professional. Part of the issue related to holes involves moisture leaking into the tire, which can cause the inner parts that are made of steel to rust. As a result, this can weaken the tire and increase the risk of a blowout.