To be frank, attempting to determine the precise time that you need new tires is like winning the lottery. Extremely difficult. Still, there are ways to measure a vague timeframe of when it’s necessary to consider buying new tires. What we can be certain of is that the more wear and tear a tire undergoes, the closer is gets being in a state of high-risk. The original purpose of a tire tread’s design is to reroute the liquids and debris from underneath the tire to improve traction of a wet surface. When a tire gets worn down, the tread’s design is no longer effective, which put the driver of that vehicle in danger. As soon as a tire wears down to 1/16th of an inch, it is deemed as undependable. Many professionals suggest that you don’t wait that long to get new tires because you will be putting your safety at risk.
There are various factors that control the lifespan of a tire, such as:
- Driving style
- Conditions of the road
- Weather
- Driver’s attentiveness to their tires
- Type of tire
How to Tell If It’s Time for New Tires
Testing your tires tread will cost you a small fee of one cent. This is commonly referred to as the penny test. It’s a small price to pay when it comes to your tires and safety. First, place a penny head first into different tread grooves throughout the tire. If the top of Lincoln’s head is continuously showing, it is likely that the treads are low and used up. If you find yourself in this situation, you will need new tires. Conversely, if part of Lincoln’s head is consistently enclosed by the tread, you most likely have more than 2/32 of an inch of tread depth left to work with.
How a Wheel Alignment Can Help You Get the Most from Your New Tires
Some drivers are under the misconception that tire wear can cause misaligned wheels. But in fact, it’s quite the opposite—a car that’s out of alignment will cause uneven tire wear, which is why it’s so important to get a wheel alignment once or twice a year. If you’re getting new tires and it’s been a while since your last wheel alignment, the mounting of new tires can be an excellent opportunity to address alignment. Every vehicle has recommended wheel alignment specifications. These can—and should—be referenced when your new tires are installed to ensure your car is in alignment, and you’re going to get the most from your new tires—in years and performance.
Tire Alignment
When it’s time for new tires, call us! We can also help if you need a tire repair, or it’s been a while since your last wheel alignment. Our auto repair shop is honest and upfront when it comes to making tire recommendations. You can trust us to steer you in the right direction when it comes to tires, and we’ll take care of your new tire installation or tire repair as quickly as possible so you can get back on the road and back to your life.