Your tires are an important feature on your car, as they’re the only point of contact between your vehicle and the road. All drivers should know how to keep up with maintenance, such as recognizing when it’s time for a wheel alignment or set of new tires. Here’s a quick guide to ensure you never find yourself with old, dangerous tires.

Guide to Changing Your Tires

When to Change Them

Most tires will last between 25,000 and 50,000 miles, and you should replace them at least every six years. However, most drivers need to replace their set more often due to tread wear. You can check your tread using a penny. Hold the coin upside down and place it inside a groove where the tread looks worn. If the rubber doesn’t reach Lincoln’s head, it’s time for new tires.

How to Maximize Their Life Span

Proper air pressure will dictate how much of the material comes in contact with the road. An under-inflated tire will touch too much ground, which will quickly wear the rubber. A wheel alignment every two to three years will keep the tires balanced so that the vehicle’s weight is evenly distributed. This will encourage the tire to wear out evenly, too.

Why It’s Important

Tires are covered with tread, which grips the asphalt and gives your vehicle traction. As you drive, the rubber on your tread slowly wears down and eventually gets too low to properly grip the road. A new set of tires will provide your car with reliable traction, reducing your risk of skidding or spinning out. Additionally, UV rays constantly heat the rubber and, over time, cause structural changes in the material, breaking it down. As the rubber weakens, it increases your chances of a blowout.

If your vehicle is due for new tires, contact the team at Tire Warehouse Kauai in Lihue, HI. Since 1974, these professionals have provided drivers with high-quality parts from the industry’s leading brands, including Goodyear® and Michelin®. View their inventory of new tires online, or call (808) 245-6754 to schedule an appointment.