Most vehicle owners know that having tires in good condition is extremely important for both safety and fuel efficiency. Tires that are in good shape with the proper level of tread and the correct level of inflation will help your vehicle maintain good traction on the road and improve the amount of mileage you get out of each gallon of gas.
But how do you know when it’s time to replace your tires? Many people attempt to put off replacing their tires as long as possible to avoid the expense associated with it, but you should probably visit an auto repair shop in Williston, ND for replacement when you notice any of the following signs:
- Significant tread wear: The best way to determine whether your tires have an appropriate level of tread left is by using the famous “penny test.” Take a penny and place it head first into several different grooves in the tread in different locations on the tire. If you are able to see the top of Abe Lincoln’s head on the penny in these locations, this means the treads have become too shallow and worn down, which means your tires need to be replaced. If Lincoln’s head is always at least partially covered, however, you still have enough tread where you most likely do not need to replace your tires, as this means you have more than 1/16 of an inch of tread depth remaining.
- Damage from exposure to the elements: Tread depth isn’t the only factor you need to consider when determining whether you need to replace your tires. Exposure to the outdoor elements can also cause your tires to wear down sooner, which is especially common if you do not park your vehicle in a garage. Exposure to heat and the ultraviolet rays of the sun can, over time, cause structural damage to the tires. This type of damage is exacerbated in regions where you experience significant temperature swings throughout the course of the year.
- Your tires are very old: Even if your tires still have plenty of tread left, your tires will eventually reach an age at which you should still replace them. Most vehicle manufacturers will recommend you replace your tires at six years, while most tire manufacturers will recommend you replace your tires after about 10 years, regardless of wear. Make sure you check your tires’ manufacturer recommendations to see if you are going to be in need of new tires any time soon.
- Other types of damage: Even new tires might need to be replaced if they have incurred certain types of damage. If you pop a hole in a tire, for example, you’re not going to want to be riding around on a spare for very long before visiting an auto repair shop in Williston, ND. Whenever you incur damage to your tire that prevents it from being safe for use, you’re going to need to make the replacement.
For more information about knowing when to change your tires, contact us today at Chaney Total Auto & Exhaust Repair, and we will be happy to answer your questions.