Why You Need New Tires

Tires are one of the most integral parts of your vehicle. They can also make a big difference in your driving safety. As your tires age and wear down, your stopping distances increase by tens of feet. In a panic stop, mere inches can be the difference between a serious accident and being able to drive home a little rattled. It’s also very important to ensure that your tires are properly inflated with air. This will help them last longer and help with safe stopping distances. If you hear more road noise, or your car’s ride becomes rougher or starts to vibrate, you may need to replace your tires. Let’s take a look at some of the ways you can easily inspect your tires.  

Listening To Your Tires Is Key 

It is important to visually and audibly check your tires regularly. When driving, take notice of road noise. Have you noticed that you need to increase the volume of your music or phone calls? As tires wear, they will start to introduce more noise into the cabin, as there is less tire tread to absorb noise and bumps. However, sometimes a poorly paved road can play tricks on you. So, make sure to listen to the way road noise sounds on multiple road surfaces.  

Vibration In the Steering Wheel? 

If you feel your steering wheel start to vibrate more than usual, this can also be a sign that your tires need to be replaced or rebalanced. As you drive over potholes, railroad tracks, and the like at higher speeds, you can bend a wheel slightly, or you can knock a tire or four out of balance.  

Visually Inspecting Your Tires 

When inspecting your tires, look for uneven wear, low tread depth, and cracking. To do this with your front wheels, turn your steering wheel so one of the wheels is pointing outward. Checking the rear is as simple as bending down behind your car to look at them. Ensure that your tread is evenly wearing from inside to outside the tire. Inspect the edges of your tires closely to check for any visible cracking. This indicates that your tires are aging and experiencing dry rot. If you notice any gray-looking cords coming out of your tires, replace them immediately, as they are already degraded and will soon explode when driving. The same goes for any extreme bulges on the sidewall or in the tread of your tires.  

Old Tires or Tire Cords Showing Are a Big Hazard 

Old tires or tires with exposed cords can pose significant safety risks, such as breaking apart while traveling down the highway, causing you to spin out of control, and potentially colliding with another car or veering off the road.  

How To Determine the Age of Your Tires 

No matter how good your tires look, if they are more than five years old, you will want to consider replacing them. To determine the age of your tires, look for the DOT letters on the sidewall of the tire. From there, you’ll notice four digits that can read like 4324. The first two numbers represent the week, and the last two represent the year. So, a tire that says “4324” has a manufacture date of the 43rd week of the year 2024.  

Checking Tread Depth Is Simple 

Checking tire tread depth is also pretty easy. Numerous tire companies are starting to add specific marks on the tread to show when the tire is worn too far. Some use multiple bars that will wear to the point you can only see one or two, which is when you know you’re ready to replace them. Other companies use percentages etched into the center of the tread. When you can’t see 40%, it’s time to start thinking about a new set of rubber. However, the oldest method is to simply check the wear bars, which are located inside the tread of a tire and are 2/32 inches from the lowest point of the tire. If your tread is even with these bars, they are dangerously worn.  

The Penny Test 

The tried-and-true method of checking tire wear, however, is to simply use a penny. Turn the coin upside down and put it inside the tread. If you can see all of Abraham Lincoln’s head, then you are in need of replacement tires. You can also use a quarter, and just make sure you can’t see all of Washington’s head.  

Buy A Tread Depth Gauge 

If you’d like, you can buy a tread depth gauge on Amazon or at an auto parts store that will give you a specific reading by pressing the indicator into the groove of your tire.  

Alderman Automotive Can Also Take a Quick Look for You 

If you are unsure, nervous, or uncomfortable performing any of these checks, simply visit the service department at Alderman Automotive. The experts will take a look at your tires and give you an understanding of if and when you’ll need new tires. If you need or simply want new tires, they will show you models that work perfectly with your vehicle at a great price.  

Why Choose Alderman Automotive  

At Alderman Automotive, we work tirelessly to give you the best possible price and service on every used car we sell, and our finance department will work within your monthly payment needs. Whether you are looking for a high-end luxury car or SUV, or if your budget is something under $15,000, we have a whole host of vehicles best suited for your wants and needs. Our state-of-the-art service department and helpful staff will ensure your vehicle is always in the best condition possible.