How Do You Know if You Need New Tires?

Today’s tires are designed to last for many thousands of miles before they need to be replaced. And, as long as you keep them properly inflated and have them rotated every few thousand miles, they may last for up to 10 years. But eventually, the day will come when it’s time for a new set.

The good news is that there are a lot of indicators that your car needs some “new shoes.” How do you know if you need new tires in Corydon, IN? Read on to find out.

Tread wear

Tire tread plays a crucial role in helping your tires grip the road and keeping you safe on your daily commute. That deep tread will wear down over time, and when it does, you’ll need to invest in new tires. You can check the tread depth yourself by using the penny test. Take a penny and place Lincoln’s head face down in the tire tread. If his whole head is sticking out from the tread, it’s time for new tires.

Many tires come with a tread warranty that guarantees excellent tire condition up to a certain date or mileage point. If your tires have passed that warranty, it’s a good idea to replace them even if they don’t look like they’re in bad shape.

Uneven wear

Tire tread might not wear down evenly across all four tires. This may happen for a few different reasons, including improper inflation or alignment issues. Even if only one or two tires are showing tread wear, you should have all four tires replaced. You can avoid uneven wear in the future by having your tires rotated every 3,000 miles and keeping them at the recommended inflation level.

Cracked or bulging sidewalls

Another way to tell if you need new tires in Corydon, IN is if there are any issues with the sidewalls. A tire’s sidewalls will get thinner over time, and this process is sped up while driving on rough roads or in nasty conditions. If you notice cracks or gouges in the sidewall, the tires are unfit for use and may even blow out while you’re driving. Don’t risk getting in an accident—replace those tires as soon as possible.

If the sidewalls aren’t cracked, they may be bulging or blistering outward. Just like the cracks, these malformations are signs that the tire is weakened and could blow out at any moment.

Shaking vehicle

Another indication that you need new tires in Corydon, IN might not come from looking at your tires, but instead appears while you’re driving. If your vehicle shakes or rattles even on smooth roads, your tires are probably due for replacement. While this often means the interior of the tire is worn, shaking could also indicate that there’s an alignment or tire balance problem. Bring your vehicle to a mechanic for a full inspection to determine the root of the shaking.

Stay safe by calling Harvey Sarles Insurance Agency

In addition to replacing your tires, be sure that you have active auto insurance. Contact our professionals today to get a new auto insurance quote or to learn more about how to know if you need new tires in Corydon, IN.