Signs You Need New Tires

A flat tire can be frustrating, especially if it happens late at night when your phone is not working. But you can avoid this problem if you get new tires in time. Learn about warning signs that you need new tires.

The Tires Fail the Penny Test

One of the simplest ways to check the efficiency of your tires is to use the penny test. Put a penny in the tread groove and let Lincoln's head go face down. If the top of Lincoln's head is visible, your tires are in bad shape. This shows that over time the tires have worn down and become thinner.

The Tires Have Odd Noises or Vibrations

Functional tires should run smoothly on the road without making much noise. However, your tires might start producing excessive or weird vibrations and noises, even when you are on smooth roads. The odd noises and vibrations might be due to poor wheel alignment or worn-out suspension parts. In other cases, improperly inflated tires can produce excessive noises.

An auto mechanic will determine if the noises are fixable. But if the damage is too extensive, new tires might be necessary.

The Tires Are Old

If you have owned the vehicle for many years and have never changed the tires, get a new set of tires. You can get new tires even if the current tires work perfectly and have enough tread left. Also, check the manufacturer's tire replacement recommendations, as many manufacturers require that car owners change their tires after 10 years.

The Tread Wear Indicator Bar Is Missing

New tires have tread wear indicator bars visible on them. As the tires begin to wear out, these bars will become barely visible or even invisible. Instead, the bars will appear flat and run perpendicular to the tread direction. The flat rubber bars will be more visible whenever you drive over wet tracks or through a puddle.

The Tires Have Cracks Appear on the Sidewall

Not every tire problem appears on the tread. Instead, the problem might occur on the sidewall, where you will see visible cuts or tracks. These grooves are distinct and could indicate the onset of a leak. In some cases, cuts on the sidewall are a sign that the tires might blow out soon.

The Tires Have Cracks, Gouges, or Bulges

A deflated tire will bulge on the sides, which is a sign of insufficient tire pressure. The bulge can also point to a small air leak that may eventually expand. A visual inspection of the tires might also reveal gauges and other odd things on the tires.

The Temperature Has Changed

Tires start to deflate as soon as you get on the road. However, the deflation rate is so low that it will be several years before it can wear tires down. Nevertheless, always check if the tires have the right inflation pressure.

Occasional low tire pressure isn't a serious problem, and you can often ignore it. But if the tires constantly have pressure issues, especially in winter, then you often have a larger problem. Sometimes, the problem could be a puncture within the tires. Other times, the consistently low pressure is a sign of malfunctioning tires that need replacement.

The Tires Wear Unevenly

New tires will eventually wear out, but this should happen evenly throughout the tire. If some parts of the tire wear out faster than others, you might have problems bringing the vehicle to a full stop quickly. When you replace the new tires, ensure the mechanic also works on wheel alignment.

The duration and effectiveness of your new tires depend on their quality. Padco Auto Parts offers different types of auto parts, including tires. We have a very large selection of automobile parts available. Contact us today to make a purchase.