3 Signs You Need New Tires for Your Vehicle

It’s no secret that Americans spend a ton of time behind the wheel of their car. The COVID-19 pandemic drastically reduced that amount of time, but with the pandemic coming to an end, it’s about to creep back up again. Gone are the days where you could get away with neglecting car care needs like replacing car tires.

How do you know when you need to buy new tires for your car, anyway? Read on for some of the most common signs you need new tires!

1. Your Tread Depth

The number one way to determine whether you need to be buying car tires is your tread depth. At a minimum, your car’s tread depth should be at least 1/16 of an inch deep. You can probably get away with that for a little while if you live in a state that doesn’t deal with winter weather or rain on a regular basis, but the ideal depth is 2/16 of an inch or greater.

How do you tell how much tread depth you have left? Grab yourself a penny and place it into the tread of your tires with the head facing down. If you can see all of Lincoln’s head, then it’s time for you to replace your tires.

If you’re living in another country, like Australia, then the process might be a little different. Go to https://www.ozzytyres.com.au/news/4×4-mag-wheels-for-sale/ to explore your tire options abroad.

2. Noisy Tires

Modern tires are equipped with a failsafe for people who tend to not pay attention to things like tread depth. That failsafe is called a tread wear indicator bar.

Tread wear indicator bars are generally not visible while the tires are still viable, but as the tread wears down, you might start to notice some flat rubber bars show up that run perpendicular to the grooves in the tread. When the bars show up, you’ll probably also start to notice that your tires are loud when you drive.

If you notice either of these things happening, then it’s time to head to your local tire dealer.

3. Your Tire Wear Is Uneven

When properly cared for, tires tend to wear at an even rate. However, if you fail to keep your tires at the right tire pressure, or if your wheels are out of alignment, then the wear won’t be even. You might notice that the tread is worn down more on the outside of your tires, or that the center of the tire is going bald.

If your tires are showing signs of uneven wear, then it might be better for you to get a brand new set.

Are You Noticing These Signs You Need New Tires?

Today’s tires have been designed to make it pretty obvious when it’s time for replacing car tires. If you notice any of these signs you need new tires, or if a mechanic tells you that it’s about time, then it’s important to take that seriously. Car tires don’t just keep you on the road, they also help keep you and your passengers safe!