With the wet, icy roads of fall and winter fast approaching, the end of summer is a great time to assess the safety of your car’s tires. Because there are so many rules of thumb regarding how frequently a car needs a tire change, the decision ultimately comes down to your needs and your personal driving habits.

Below, Ron’s Service & Towing, a company that’s been providing towing and tire change services to Fairbanks, AK, for over 50 years, details a few of the methods for determining whether your car is due for new tires this season.

How Often Should I Get New Tires For My Car?

Every 40,000 Miles

Many modern tires are designed for a lifespan between 50,000 and 60,000 miles. Unless you notice significant and unusual wear, you’ll probably be safe as long as you change your tires a shade sooner than you might technically need to — every 40,000 miles is a good guideline. Still, tire wear can vary depending on your car, as well as where and how you drive, so inspect your tires regularly to make sure you don’t need new ones before you hit the recommended mileage.

When They Fail The Penny Test

One classic trick for assessing the health of your tires’ tread involves a single penny. Simply insert the penny between the treads with the top of Abraham Lincoln’s head facing the tire. If Lincoln’s iconic beard disappears below the top of the tread, the depth of your tires’ tread is fine. If not, you should consider a tire change soon.

When There’s Noticeable Wear

Even without using any special tricks, you can likely spot some telltale signs of worn-out tires. If the wear bars in your tire (small ridges that run perpendicular to the grooves of your tire’s tread) are nearing the same level as the surface of the tread, your tire is nearing the end of its usefulness. If you notice cracks or other defects in your sidewalls, your tires may need replacing sooner rather than later.

Especially with icy roads right around the corner, it’s always better to be safe when it comes to getting a tire change. If you need new tires in Fairbanks, turn to Ron’s Service & Towing, the company Alaskans have trusted with their cars for over five decades. Visit their website or call them today at (907) 456-4224.