How to Tell If You Need New Tires? Warning Signs To Know

Your tires are one of the most essential components of your vehicle. They keep you safe on the road by ensuring proper traction, stability, and comfort. Over time, tires wear down, and it becomes harder to tell whether they are still safe to drive on. Knowing when to replace your Tires can save you from unexpected breakdowns or accidents. At Discounted Wheel Warehouse, we have the largest selection of Tires with two-day shipping, a price match guarantee, and no-questions-asked returns. Do you have any technical questions about the tire's performance or anything else? Call us at (800) 901-6003 for the tire expert advice.

To give you the answer about “How To Tell If You Need New Tires,” Here’s a guide to identifying signs that you might need new tires, ensuring you’re driving safely and confidently.

Check the Tread Depth:

One of the most critical indicators that it’s time for new tires is Tread Wear Guide. Tread depth affects your tire's grip on the road, especially in wet or icy conditions. Tires with worn-down treads can cause your vehicle to skid or hydroplane, increasing the risk of accidents.

How to Measure Tread Depth

You can measure your tire's tread depth using a simple method called the "penny test." Insert a penny into the grooves of your tire with Lincoln’s head facing down. If you can see the top of Lincoln’s head, the tread is worn down to 2/32 of an inch or less, which is the legal minimum in many places. It’s time to replace your tires if you see this!

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Look for Visible Damage or Cracks:

Tires can suffer damage from potholes, debris, or curbs. Check your tires for any cuts, bulges, or punctures. If you notice any visible damage, your tires may not perform as well as they should and may be at risk of failing. This is especially true for sidewall damage, which is difficult to repair and could lead to a blowout.

What to Look For:

• Cuts or punctures in the rubber
• Cracks or splits in the sidewalls
• Bulging or blistering, which may indicate internal tire damage

If you notice any of these signs, it’s best to replace the damaged tire to ensure your safety on the road.

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Uneven Wear:

Tires naturally wear down over time, but uneven wear indicates that something may be wrong with your vehicle’s alignment, suspension, or inflation. Uneven tire wear can reduce the effectiveness of the tire and make driving dangerous. Common causes of uneven tire wear include:

• Under-inflation: When tires aren’t properly inflated, they wear more quickly in the center of the tread.
• Over-inflation: If tires are over-inflated, the tread edges wear out faster.
• Misalignment: Misaligned wheels cause tires to wear unevenly and can lead to excessive wear on one side of the tire.

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Your Vehicle Is Vibrating:

If you feel vibrations or a rough ride while driving, it could be a sign that your tires are worn unevenly or out of balance. When a tire becomes out of balance, it can cause uneven wear and make it feel unstable, especially at higher speeds. If the vibration persists after balancing your tires, it may be time to replace them.

Check the Age of Your Tires:

Even if your tires appear in good condition, they can deteriorate with age.

Tire manufacturers recommend replacing tires every 6 years, with a maximum of 10 years, regardless of how much tread is left. Over time, the rubber in tires breaks down and loses its ability to grip the road. If your tires are more than six years old, it’s a good idea to replace them, even if they still have plenty of tread. Knowing about the Lifespan of a Tire matters a lot.

Additionally, check the tire's DOT code on the sidewall. The last four digits indicate the week and year the tire was manufactured. For example, “2319” means the 23rd week of 2019.

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Poor Traction in Wet or Icy Conditions:

If you’ve noticed that your vehicle has less traction in wet or icy conditions, your tires may be worn down. In such conditions, tires with deep treads help channel water away from the tire, maintaining contact with the road and reducing the risk of hydroplaning. Worn-out tires lose this ability, making it harder to stop or turn in slippery conditions.

Excessive Road Noise:

Tires nearing the end of their lifespan can become noisy due to the tread wear. If you hear more road noise than usual when driving, it might indicate that your tires are losing their tread. Road noise is often a sign of uneven wear caused by misalignment, improper inflation, or excessive driving on worn tires.

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Conclusion

Have you cleared your question about “How To Tell If You Need New Tires”. Your tires are crucial to your safety and your vehicle's performance. Regularly inspecting signs of wear, age, or damage is essential to ensure you’re always driving safely. If you notice any of the above signs, it’s time to start considering a tire replacement.

Remember to check with your mechanic or tire professional to ensure your tires are properly aligned, balanced, and inflated to get the most out of them. Replacing tires when necessary will improve your vehicle’s safety and performance.

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