Having a good set of tires can make the difference in the overall condition and safety of your car. When tires wear down, they can become dangerous to drive on, leading to blowouts as well as risky navigation through inclement weather. To ensure you are safe no matter the season, here are five signs that new tires are needed.

The Top Signs You Need New Tires

1. Worn Treads

Find a penny and insert Lincoln’s head into the tread. If you can see the entire face, your treads are too worn down. Shallow treads, below 1/16 of an inch, are dangerous and won’t find enough traction on surfaces saturated by rain, snow, or ice. Newer tires also have a treadwear indicator that signals the tires are too worn out.

2. Sidewall Cracks

While superficial cracks do not pose too much of a danger, cuts and grooves in the sidewall that penetrate deep into the rubber mean a blowout is inevitable if not cared for soon. It is easy to see damage to the sidewall along with low tire pressure that results from air seeping from compromised areas.  Over or under inflating tires can worsen cracking.

3. Bulges

Bulges, bubbles, or blisters lengthening away from the rest of the tire demonstrate a weakening outer layer and damage to the inner lining. Usually, an impact from a curb or another hard object can worsen this. Sometimes, tires are just defective and should be replaced.

4. Vibrations

More than typical vibration as you drive can mean your tires need balancing or alignment. It can also signify that something is wrong internally in the wheel. Excessive vibration from any source, however, will weaken tires more quickly. The best thing to do is to bring your car into the auto repair shop for a diagnosis.

5. Age

Older tires, especially those that have been exposed to high heat and frigid cold for multiple seasons, should be replaced. The life span of the rubber will only last so long before the elasticity weakens. Manufacturers generally say about 50,000 miles with adjustments based on the environment, weather, and other factors. For climates with drastic temperature changes, switching out your tires each season will help protect your vehicle.

Fort Mitchell Garage has been Park Hills, KY’s affordable, reliable auto repair shop for more than a century. Our skilled team can handle any type of vehicle and any job big or small. From brake services and oil changes to transmission repairs, give our body shop a call at (859) 431-3326 or stop by our website for a full list of services and tires.