Four Signs You Need New Tires
No one wants to have a flat or a blowout. Tires, if worn down, can cause extremely dangerous driving situations. Tires have become more reliable than they were in the past and thank goodness for that. Being prepared for what tire-related problems can come along is of the utmost importance; knowledge of how to handle a flat or a blowout can prevent a major issue from happening. A better driving experience is also in store with well-maintained tire pressure and just paying attention to the signs of needing new tires.
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Knowing these signs is quite easy and can save the consumer from the hassle of needing new tires when it is too late.
1.Take the “Penny Test.”
The “Penny Test” is so simple and quite literally costs only a penny. Take a penny and try and insert it into the grooves of the tread of your tire. Try this in multiple places because some places may be more worn than others. If you can always see Abraham Lincoln’s complete head out over the tread, that means that the tires are extremely worn down and should be replaced. If you can see a part, but not all of Lincoln’s head it can also give you an indication that you do not have to switch them yet.
2.The Sidewall of Tires
Checking the sidewall of tires is extremely easy, all you need are your eyes! Look around the sidewall for any distinct grooves and cuts. If any is found, it is much better to buy new tires than wait around to see what happens. Blowing out a tire is dangerous and does not happen too often, but when it does people are not usually prepared for how to drive through it and avoid an accident. To drive safely during a blowout just counter steer and make sure the speed of the car is constant until the car is stable enough to pull over.
3.Checking the Outer Surface of the Tires
The outer surface of tires can show wear and tear. This type of wear and tear can display as a blister. This also, if not checked, can cause a blowout. Visually checking for these blisters or disturbances on the outer surface of the tires is so easy and can prevent many things from happening. Buy new tires if you see any and avoid risking your safety!
A note aside: Check out “How Cars Work” website, an extensive digital library of all the resources related to a car’s working. You can view more information on tires in its library.
4.How Does It Feel?
DRIVING is a test in itself! If your car is feeling different from normal, perhaps bumpy or vibrating or just plain off, get your tires checked! Getting your tires rotated can help with this problem as well as the rest previously mentioned. Rotating your tires help them all evenly get wear so that one tire is not bearing all of the wear and, therefore, extends the life of your tires.
All four of these things are easy to check! Of course always make sure that your tires are not punctured with anything such as nails, and also make sure your tires aren’t overpressurized or deflated. Most newer cars have tire pressure indicators or alarms to alert the driver of any changes, but if not tire pressure can easily be checked with a tire pressure gauge or at a local mechanic or dealership. Keeping track of tires and making sure none of these signs of needing new tires is present is important to avoid any situation or accident while driving a car. Stay safe by looking for these four signs!
Sources:
http://www.firestonecompleteautocare.com/pennytiretest/learn/tread.jsp
http://auto.howstuffworks.com/5-warning-signs-you-need-new-tires.htm#page=5
http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tiretech/techpage.jsp?techid=13