Can You Pass the Tire Wear-and-Tear Test?
Your tires will wear out eventually, no matter what you do.
Luckily, there are some ways to ensure they last as long as possible and that you get the most miles for your investment.
Here’s what you need to know about tire wear and tear.
Misalignment
If your tires are misaligned, they won’t wear evenly and they could also wear out more quickly.
In a front- or rear-wheel drive vehicle, the opposing two wheels must be aligned.
If your vehicle is a four-wheel drive, all four tires must be aligned.
Your owner’s manual will have the information you need about how often you should have your alignment checked.
Often, the uneven wear can be corrected by a simple tire rotation.
Tread
Your tire’s tread affects how well it grips the road.
You can use a penny to make sure your tires have an adequate tread depth.
Place the penny, with Abe’s head down, between two of the treads. If you can see the top of his head, it’s time for new tires.
Visual inspection
It’s wise to periodically take a look at your tires.
You’re looking for any punctures, holes, excessive wear, bulges, or gaps between the tire and the rim.
If you notice anything that doesn’t look quite right, get in to see your mechanic.
Repair vs. replacement
There are certain times that a tire can be repaired as opposed to purchasing a replacement.
Here are some ways to tell the difference.
- If your tire is consistently losing air pressure, it needs to be removed and evaluated by a professional who can tell you if it needs to be replaced or fixed.
- Punctures or holes in the tread can usually be repaired.
- Cuts that are less than ¼ inch can normally be fixed.
- Punctures or holes in the sidewall can probably be repaired if they are less than ¼ inch.
- Tires with a tread depth that is 1/16 of an inch or less should not be repaired. They should always be replaced.
Wheel balance
Your wheel balance has a big impact on your tires and how well your car drives.
When they are out of balance, you could experience:
- Road vibration.
- Premature tire wear (cupping and dipping).
- Wear on your vehicle’s suspension.
They should be rebalanced once a year or any time you detect a shimmy or any signs of vibration.
Tire care counts
Not only will the right tire care save you money, it will also give you peace of mind that you’re doing your best to keep yourself and your passengers safe.
Make sure you’re giving your tires a regular visual inspection and be sure to contact your mechanic at the first sign of an issue.
At Conrad’s, our skilled auto technicians are happy to help you with your car care needs – including tire maintenance.
