No matter how sturdy your ride is, your tires won’t last forever. Wondering if it’s time to head to the Ford dealership for a fresh set? Check for these signs you need new tires.
Check the Tread
One of the most common reasons to replace your tires is because the tread has worn down too much. Not sure if you have enough tread left? Here’s a fun little trick! Grab a penny and stick it into your tire’s tread, with Lincoln’s head diving in first. If you can see the top of Abe’s head, your tread’s too low.
Look for Tread Wear Indicator Bars
As an extra assist for checking those tread levels, most modern tires come with built-in tread wear indicators. Flat bars of rubber at the bottom of your tread grooves, these indicators are hard to see when tires are new. The more you drive, the more your tread wears down. Eventually, the indicator bars appear to rise to the top. Once they’re even with the surface of your tires, you need new ones.
Inspect Your Sidewall
Any damage that’s more than surface-deep can be a warning that your tires are wearing out, putting you at increased risk of tire failure.
Look for Bumps and Bulges
Spot any weird bubbles, bumps, bulges, or blisters sticking out of your tire’s surface? That’s a weak spot, usually due to damage from hitting a pothole or curb. These bulges are prone to sudden blowouts, making them dangerous to drive on.
Too Much Vibration
While some vibration is normal, too much shaking could mean your tires are out of whack. Anything from poor balance and misalignment to uneven wear could be responsible for that shaking while you drive.
Air Pressure Problems
Topping up your tires from time to time is normal. If you’re constantly refilling your tires with air, though, you might have a slow leak. Some types of leaks can be patched, but driving on underinflated tires can permanently damage them.
Check Your Tires’ Age
Even if they look okay, tires have a shelf life. Most tire folks say to think about a new set of tires every six years or so, regardless of the miles you’ve driven. That’s because the rubber compounds in your tire will start to break down, making them more brittle. Brittle tires don’t grip the road as well, and they’re more prone to cracking and leaking.
You’re Slipping and Sliding
Finding yourself sliding a bit more in wet conditions? Worn tread can’t grip the road as well, making rainy drives more adventurous than they need to be.
From tread depth to unexpected bulges, your tires have ways of telling you they’re not up to the job anymore. If it’s time to replace your tires, call White’s Ford in Urbana, OH, and let us take care of you.
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