How to Tell if You Need New Tires

Dulles Kia knows there’s not much that’s more stressful than having tire troubles, and encourages all motorists to please learn how to be aware if you need new tires. By paying attention to your tires often, meaning at least once a month. Then you will know when it’s time to change them out. This will in-turn prevent flats, and dangerous situations on the road. It’s always a good idea to also buy new tires rather than used.

How to Tell if You Need New Tires:

Look for cracks, gouges, blisters and bulges in the tire

Blisters and bulges in tires are gangrenous and need to be taken care of immediately. The blister or bulge is considered a weak spot in the tire, which means it could blowout at any minute. If a tire blows out on the highway at high speeds this could be very dangerous situation. Also watch for when your tire deflates, because this is a sign of low tire pressure or a slow air leak. And make sure to take it to get looked at as well if you see any cracks or gouges in the sidewalls.

Check the tread wear

The tried and true way to test the tread on a tire is to place a penny into the tread. Now make sure Lincoln’s head pointing down. When look at the penny now in the tread, if you can still see Lincoln’s head the tread is bad. For newer tires they now have wear bars. This is bits of rubber woven into the pattern at a specific depth. If the treads pattern has worn down to the wear bar, it’s time to replace your tire.

Check your tire pressure

Be sure to check that your tires have the right inflation pressure. Sometimes things can be off and cause issues. It’s best to check once a month.

Watch tires during major temperature changes

When it’s extremely cold your tire pressure will drop. In the summer heat buildup in the tire can generate more heat and cause tires to wear out faster.

Are you feeling vibration

If you are feeling vibration and or thumping when driving, and it feels like it’s coming from under your seats, the rear tires may be out of balance. Vibration from the steering wheel could also mean possible suspension issues.  Your ride should always feel smooth, and if it doesn’t you should get things checked out right away.  

Lastly, when you finally do go to change out your tires it’s better to do it in pairs or all four at once. This will give you much better performance and traction, and in the end a safer ride.