Knowing when a tire needs repair or replacement can be tricky. One wrong move could put you and your passengers in danger, so it's important to pay attention to the signs.
Here are a few tips to determine when it's time for a trip to the tire shop.
Look for Visual Damage
Visible damage is the most obvious sign that it's time for tire repair or replacement. Check the tire tread and sidewall for any signs of wear or punctures. If you see anything unusual — like cracks, cuts, bulges, blisters, scrapes, bumps, or gouges — take your car in right away.
Even if you don't see any serious visible damage on the outside of your tire, there may be unseen structural damage on the inside. Tires are designed to flex and move as you drive. But if there's an unseen problem inside the tire, it can quickly lead to a blowout.
It's always best to err on the side of caution and get an expert opinion from a mechanic. They can inspect the tire's interior more closely and determine if it is safe for continued use.
Check Tire Tread Depth
Tire tread depth is another important factor in determining whether your tire needs replacing. Most new tires have 10/32nds (or 11/32nds) of an inch of tread depth when they are first installed on a vehicle. However, this number will decrease over time and with regular use as small bits of rubber get worn away from contact with roads and surfaces.
The minimum amount of legal tread depth is 2/32 inches –– anything lower than that and you could be in serious danger. To check the tread depth of your tire, you can use a penny or a tread depth gauge. Just place the penny into the tread grooves of your tire. If you can see all of President Lincoln's head, then it's time to start shopping for a new set of tires.
Consider Tire Age
In addition to factors like visual damage and tread depth, you should also consider how old your tires are before making a decision about repair or replacement. Depending on how often you use them, most tires need to be replaced after every six years, even if there is still plenty of tread left.
This is because rubber degrades over time due to exposure to heat, sunlight, oxygen, and other environmental factors, which can weaken its ability to grip surfaces properly when driving.
If your tires are older than six years old but still look good on the surface, make sure to get them inspected by a professional who can assess their condition more accurately. But if they're pushing the seven-year mark, it's probably time to start considering a replacement.
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