Part of diligent auto maintenance is knowing when your tires need to be repaired or replaced. As the weather becomes colder and icier, a good grip on the road helps you get to work and back home again safely. With that in mind, here are some warning signs it's time to have your wheels seen by a professional.

Indications Your Tires Are Reaching the End of Their Life Span

1. Worn Tread

Having deep tire treads allows a car to gain traction on the road and avoid dangerous slippages. Since treads will lose some depth over time, you’ll need to continually assess whether they have lost their viability. A handy auto maintenance test you can do at home requires only a penny. Insert the coin into the tread — if Lincoln’s head is fully covered, the depth is still acceptable, but if you can see part of it, it’s time to head over to the car shop for replacement tires. 

2. Sidewall Damage

Perform a visual check of your tire’s sidewalls regularly. If you notice numerous cuts and holes, the tire may soon be on the verge of a blowout. In other cases, you may see what looks like bulges along its surface, likely indicative of an air leak.

3. Embedded Objects

After so much time on the road, debris may have begun to stick to the rubber. While these pieces of rubble, like nails and pebbles, aren’t necessarily problematic, try pulling them out to see if they’ve made a puncture. If you hear a leak, push the object back in to create a temporary seal and then immediately take the car to an auto maintenance specialist to patch them. 

The next time you notice signs of tire wear, head over to Kelly’s Auto Repair in Lincoln, NE. These auto maintenance professionals have been helping residents of Lancaster County troubleshoot tire problems for over two decades. Whether you ultimately need a quick repair or a new tire, their experts will help you get back on the road in a safer vehicle. To speak to a courteous mechanic, call (402) 467-4602 or send a message through their website.