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Even the most reliable car parts experience wear over time, and your car tires are no exception. It’s important to keep an eye on the shape your tires are in to avoid unnecessary breakdowns and potentially dangerous accidents. Below are three signs you should watch for to know when your car needs new tires.

How to Tell If You Need New Tires 

1. Tread Wear

Every mile you put on your tires takes its toll. The tread on the surface of your tires is what sheds water and debris on the road surface and helps your car maintain traction. The better your tires grip the road, the better your car will handle adverse conditions.

To avoid driving without sufficient tread, you can perform what is commonly known as the penny test. All you have to do is place a penny into the tread of your tires head-first. So long as your tread covers part of Lincoln’s head, you still have enough tread on your tires. 

2. Age of Your Tires

imageAnother factor that often gets overlooked is tire age. The general consensus of most tire manufacturers is that tires give a 10-year maximum lifespan. Your vehicle manufacturer may even recommend no more than six years between new tires.

It’s important to replace tires older than six years because even with proper face tread, the sidewalls of your tires absorb a tremendous amount of stress between supporting your car’s weight and handling the weight shift while making turns. Even tires that are extremely low mileage will begin to rot on the sidewalls after enough time passes, making them very unsafe to drive on.

3. Damage

Physical damage other than standard wear and tear is yet another factor to consider. It’s important to inspect your tires regularly to make sure you haven’t picked up nails, screws, or other sharp, puncturing objects. 

Punctures in the tread larger than ¼” can likely be repaired, but anything larger may require a replacement. Also, any significant damage like punctures or lacerations to the sidewall will require replacement as well, since patching the sidewall is unreliable.

 

If you find yourself broken down with tire troubles, call Ron’s Service & Towing in Fairbanks, AK. Offering statewide service since 1963, this company has reliable mechanics and tow truck drivers on call 24/7. In addition to towing, they offer jump starts, tire changes, and fuel delivery. Call them at (907) 456-4224 or visit their website for more information.

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