While your auto repair technician can help you get your car fitted with top-quality tires, it’s important to recognize when you need them. Even if you know very little about auto care, you can identify the signs that your tires are damaged. This guide will help you recognize those signs, so you can stay safe on the road.

4 Signs You Need New Tires for Your Car

1. Cracks in the Sidewalls

If you notice cracking or unusual gouges in the sidewalls of your tires, visit an auto repair technician. While weather and road conditions can contribute to this type of wear and tear, it’s also commonly caused by a vehicle that’s poorly aligned. Whatever the cause, tires with sidewall damage face a higher risk of a blowout.

2. Vehicle Vibrations

If you feel a stronger or abnormal vibration, you may need new shocks, a wheel alignment, or new tires. Your car may shake because of tread separation, which occurs when the tire is exposed to excessive heat, or it is underinflated. Don’t continue to drive with these tires because they will eventually cause a blowout.

3. Visible Cords

If you see a bulge in the tires, this might be related to a broken cord. These are fabrics used to reinforce the tire and support the vehicle’s weight. If these are visible from the outside, it means that the wheel is wearing out from the inside. This is usually caused by driving over objects, like a curb or speed bumps, or from uneven wear. You need to replace your wheels immediately to prevent tire failure.

4. Low Tread

A bald tire means that your tire tread is worn to the point that it can prevent you from stopping at a crucial moment. You can tell that the tread is getting low by conducting the penny test. Hold a penny with Lincoln’s head in the downward position and set its edge flat between the tread. Auto mechanics recommend replacing tires when the tread is at 4/32” or lower; If you can see Lincoln’s head, it’s below that number, and you need new tires.

If you experience any of these signs, it’s important to get new tires right away. In Cincinnati, OH, Jim's Auto Clinic has been serving the city’s west side and has become a trusted business in that community over the past 46 years. Their ASE-certified technicians provide quality repairs and other auto services that can help you keep your vehicle in good condition at competitive rates. To learn more about tire replacements, visit them online. To schedule an appointment for auto repairs, call them at (513) 662-6696.