Scheduling a tire change is a major part of caring for your car properly. Having new, reliable tires will make sure your vehicle can get you from point A to point B. As with all car care maintenance, it’s important to pay attention to the condition of your car and how it drives. Here are a few things to keep in mind if you’re wondering when you should have your car tires changed.

Why You Should Get a Tire Change

1. Tread Wear

Friction with road surfaces slowly wears tire tread away. The tread is what ensures proper contact with the road, disperses rainwater, and gives each tire sufficient grip to make safe and controlled turns. If it falls below 1/16 inch, your tire won’t have enough left to do its job properly. 

2. Bad Vibrations

Sometimes a car can develop vibrations when driving. While this can point to something mechanical, often it has to do with uneven wear or misshapen tires from bad braking habits or flat spotting. It’s important to have a mechanic check out your car if this happens, as your car may require a tire change.

3. Tire Damage

Tires can be damaged either from harsh impacts or structural weaknesses. If left unchecked, this damage may cause flat tires and blowouts. If you notice cracking or bulges in the sidewalls of your tires, they might need to be replaced. 

4. Old Tires

The average for replacing tires is once every six years, depending on your mileage and the conditions of the roads you travel. An old tire may still have plenty of tread, but the laminated layers of rubber, wire, and synthetic mesh that make up the tire may have degraded over time. Worn tires are more likely to have leaks, especially if the vehicle sits for long periods of time, which can cause dry rot. 

5. Overall Safety

Your tires are essential to keeping you safe, so having a regular tire change should be part of every owner’s regularly scheduled car maintenance. New tires help you handle your car better, brake more efficiently, drive on wet roads easily, and are overall more reliable than old, worn tires.

If your car needs a tire change, contact Groton Auto Body & Sales in New London County, CT, at (860) 499-9120. They have a team of well-trained, ASE-certified technicians who provide only the best workmanship and even better customer service. Check out their website for more information about their available services.