When Should I Change My Car Tires

John avatar JOHN C. BALDWIN | DEC 27, 2021

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Do you recognize when your car tires need to be replaced? The best part is that determining the state of your used tires isn't as difficult as you would assume. In most circumstances, all it takes is a glance and perhaps the assistance of a copper penny to determine when a tire needs to be replaced. You must know which parts of the tires to inspect and the most crucial tire replacement indicators.

In this article, we'll provide you with all the information you need to precisely examine your auto tires, identify when they need to be changed, and recognize the indicators that it's time to change them for new tires.

When should you change tires?

How often should you replace your tires? This is one of the most frequently asked questions among vehicle owners. In general, two criteria influence when tires should be replaced: wear factor and age of the tire.

Tire Aging: This aging happens when the rubber and other components of the tire begin to deteriorate over time. It can occur as a result of environmental factors and storage conditions, as well as the amount of activity the tire experiences when driven or when it sits idle.

Tire Wear: After a certain amount of time, all tires begin to show signs of wear. The way your tire wears can indicate a problem with your alignment or tire pressure. Tire tread should be worn equally across the entire tire, not just on the inner or outside. Tire wear occurs irrespective of how skilled you are as a driver, but it can be intensified if you don't take better care of your tires.

What you need to know about car tires

Every tire carries a date stamp that specifies the exact week and year it was manufactured. Even though you're not an expert on the issue, this can assist you in addressing the topic of how often you should replace your tires.

According to industry guidelines, passenger and truck/SUV and trailer tires should be replaced on average at six years and before ten years. The timeline is very dependent on how the tires have been utilized and the weather conditions to which they have been exposed.

If your motorcycle tire passes the penny test and a visual check finds no cracks or damage, but it is between 6 and 10 years old, you should get it inspected by a tires shop to see if it needs to be replaced.

Why do you need to replace your tires?

Knowing when to change tires is about more than just taking care of your car and avoiding costly accidents. Tires are a vital component of your vehicle's safety. All season car tires that are worn or old can cause a range of issues, including:

  • Mishaps that can render you stranded or possibly cause a crash (you should always be with your spare tire to avoid this).
  • Ineffective road friction as a result of the worn-out tread.
  • Inability to use brakes effectively.

Unbalanced wheel alignments and balance issues not only cause uneven and premature tire wear, but they can also cause issues for your vehicle, leaving you with huge car repair costs.

Signs that your tires should be replaced

Bulges and Bubbles: A bulge in your tire generally means that the tire's robust internal structure has been compromised. Even if the tread condition is good, any tire with sidewall bulges or bubbles should be promptly replaced.

Worn out Tread: Once the tread on a tire is worn down to 2/32", it is classified as unsafe. You can determine the tread depth gauge with the penny test approach or a tread depth to change tires.

Car Vibration: While driving, you might notice a vibration in the steering wheel if your tires are worn out. Vibration can also be linked to poor alignment, so it's crucial to consult a tire expert to figure out what's causing the problem.

Bad Valve Caps:  If the cap cannot be tightened well, it will loosen with time. The threads on the stem can also rip off if they are excessively tight. A faulty valve cap increases the chances of dirt, particles, and moisture entering the tire.

Cuts or Cracks in the Sidewall: Tire sidewall cracking is caused by tire age. Tires are exposed to a variety of extreme circumstances, which causes the rubber in the tires to deteriorate over time.

Final thoughts

When it comes to your vehicle's safety and the safety of others, knowing when to change your tires is critical. Use a service like EpicVIN to propel you in the right direction and figure out when it's time to buy car tires or get a discount tire.

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