Keeping your tires in pristine condition and replacing them when necessary not only keeps you safer on the road, it protects multiple components of your vehicle. That’s why it should be treated as an essential part of regular car maintenance. Worn or poorly aligned tires can result in a less-than-desirable driving experience or even create hazardous driving conditions. To determine when it’s time to change your tires, the team from Dave’s Auto in Cheney, WA, suggests looking out for the following signs.

3 Signs You Need New Tires

1. Thin Tread

Tread is the grooves carved into the rubber in your tires that help your car grip the road. As your tires wear down, the tread loses its depth and becomes less effective. To grasp the current condition of your tire tread, take a penny and insert it into one of the grooves with Lincoln’s head facing down. If you can see his entire head, it’s about time for new wheels.

2. Sidewall Damage

As tires age and are exposed to the elements, the outer walls may develop cracks, bulges, or divots. These can expand and become worse as you continue to drive, leading to leaks or catastrophic blowouts. If you notice cracks or other abnormalities developing on the sides of your tires, have them checked out by a mechanic who will let you know if they’re safe to drive on.

3. Heavy Vibrations

While some vibration is inevitable, unusually heavy or unexpected vibrations throughout your car may be caused by a tire problem. If your tires have aged or were installed improperly, wear can build up from the inside out. Even if the tires alone are not the problem, vibrations almost always indicate issues that can negatively affect your tires. If you notice an unusual amount of shaking, take your car to your mechanic for an inspection.

The next time you need tires, oil changes, tuneups, or other car maintenance services in the Cheney, WA, area, trust the team from Dave’s Auto. They have proudly served the community since 1999 and will continue to provide their trusted service for years to come. Call them at (509) 235-6123 or visit them online to set up a car maintenance appointment.