Driving with old or worn tires is a serious hazard that can easily be avoided. Purchasing new tires not only improves vehicle performance and gas mileage but can also help prevent a flat tire or blowout. In general, your tires should be replaced every 50,000 to 60,000 miles. With your convenience and safety in mind, Schaller Jacobson Collision and Automotive Repair in La Crosse, WI, shares three additional considerations to take into account to help you determine when it’s time to buy new tires.

Tire Rotation

Tires need to be rotated every six months or 6,000 to 8,000 miles. When you fail to rotate your tires often enough, wear becomes concentrated in certain areas of each tire and they will not last as long. If it’s been longer than six months or more than 8,000 miles since you last rotated your tires, you may need new tires sooner due to uneven wear and tear.

Alignment

Scheduling your car for regular alignments will not only help improve its steering capabilities; it will also keep your tires from being worn down at different rates, thus extending the life of your tires. If you’ve been experiencing unchecked alignment issues, there’s a good chance that you’ll have to replace your tires before 50,000 miles.

Signs of Wear

Most manufacturers install tire wear bars that indicate when it’s time to buy new tires. Take a look at the tread of each of your tires. If the tire wear bar is flush with your tire’s thread, it’s time to replace them with new tires.

As is the case with any automotive service, knowing when to buy new tires depends on a variety of conditions. If you need help evaluating the current condition of your tires or purchasing new tires, the best thing to do is to schedule an appointment with a full-service auto shop. Schaller Jacobson Collision and Automotive Repair in La Crosse, WI, offers affordable and reliable service, so call them at (608) 788-2545 or visit them online to schedule an appointment.