Your car’s tires play a crucial role in guaranteeing both your safety and that of your passengers. But even the best tires wear out over time, and it’s important to know when to start thinking about a tire replacement.

The Car Care Clinic at Gateway Transmissions in Oak Harbor, Washington, is Whidbey Island’s top choice for auto repair and service. Serving Island County since 1999, they back all repairs with a two-year, 24,000-mile warranty and are a great choice for brake service, tire replacement, or any other automotive issue.

Below, the experts at the Car Care Clinic at Gateway Transmissions offer a few rules of thumb about when you should replace your tires.

How To Tell If You Need A Tire Replacement

Expect Tires To Last Roughly 5 Years

The average lifespan of a tire is around five years, but so many factors influence the life of a tire. The actual durability of a tire can vary quite a bit depending on a wide variety of factors. Still, keep five years in mind as a rough rule of thumb to think about tire replacement.

Check Tread With The Penny Method

One tried-and-true strategy for checking your tire tread is to use a penny. Insert the coin in between the treads with the top of Honest Abe’s head facing towards the center of the tire. New tires might cover down to the brow line, and tires in acceptable shape might cover just the top of his head. If all of Lincoln’s head is exposed, you need a tire replacement very soon.

Check Tread With Wear Indicator Bars

Your tires also have a built-in wear indicator, a set of raised bars that run perpendicular to the main grooves in the tread. On new tires, these bars are well below the level of the tread, and they get closer to the surface as the tread wears. They’re simple to read; If the top of the indicator bar is level with the top of your tread, it’s time for a tire replacement.

Whether you need a tire replacement, brake service, or any other vehicle maintenance, visit the Car Care Clinic at Gateway Transmissions for the best auto repair and service. Visit their website for more information, or call (360) 914-5647 today!