It's only natural that you want your vehicle to be safe, reliable, and prepared for any road conditions you might encounter. One way to ensure your car is in top shape is to keep a close eye on your tires and address any issues right away. The first step, however, is recognizing the signs that new tires may be needed.

3 Signs You Need New Tires

1. Tread Wear

Treads are the tracks encircling the tire that make contact with the road. When these treads start to wear down, they don't grip the road as well, which can be a potential safety issue. Carefully check the wear and tear on your treads. When in doubt, do the penny test. Put a penny as far as it will go into one of the treads, with Lincoln's head pointed downward; if you still see the top of Lincoln's head, your tread is low.

2. Bulges, Cracks, or Holes

When a tire starts to break down, it might become bulged or cracked; often when it has a slow leak, it will bulge on the sides. If a tire has been damaged in any way, you might be able to see visible holes or other types of impairment. The best way to check for these anomalies is to simply inspect them closely with the naked eye and look for damage.

3. Vibrating Car

Whenever you're in your vehicle, take note of how easily—or uneasily—your car rides. If there is an excessive amount of vibration coming from under the car, your tires might be to blame. The vibrations will feel like they're coming from beneath the seats, so try to get in the habit of attuning yourself to how the car moves and feels underneath you as you drive.

When it comes time for new tires, trust the professionals at Tire Warehouse Kauai. Since 1974, they have been providing tire installations and repairs to customers throughout the Lihue, HI, region. Call (808) 245-6754 to schedule an appointment, or visit their website to start exploring their full line of new tires.