Your tires are an essential part of road safety – not only for you and your passengers but also for your fellow road users. There are several factors, including normal wear and tear, that makes it necessary for drivers to replace the tires on their vehicles. Here are some of the main factors to keep in mind when inspecting your tires.
Worn tread
There are a number of ways of measuring the tread on your vehicle. The most popular include using a quarter or a special measuring gauge. Either way, it’s important to measure all of your tires and also to measure several grooves of each tire. Measuring the tread is not just about checking how many more miles you have left, but also determining whether or not uneven wear is a concern. Depending on the degree of the uneven wear, you might be able to rectify the cause by having a professional take care of the wheel alignment and balancing. You might need to have your tires rotated or, if the uneven wear is significant, replacement tires are best for safety reasons. If your tread is worn evenly but extensively, you will need new tires. Old, worn tires do not offer sufficient grip on the roads and this increases the risk of an accident. This is even more so when road conditions are poor due to rain, snow, ice and so on.
Exposure to the elements
It’s not only the road that can take its toll on your tires. Even if you buy a brand new set of tires and you don’t use them for months or years, you will notice how the weather impacts their condition. The UV rays of the sun can cause structural modifications to the tires, as can the heat. If you are planning on storing an extra set of tires for whatever reason, make sure that you do so in the appropriate place and take the time to inspect them before fitting them to your vehicle. Be on the lookout for cracked or brittle-looking tires that may also not maintain good tire pressure.
Age
Some people might be under the impression that their car tires will be just fine for many years if they don’t drive much and store their car in a garage. The fact of the matter is that time always has a way of taking its toll on all materials and the compounds in tires are no exception. Depending on the tire manufacturer, replacements are recommended every six to ten years. If the tires on your car are getting on in years, it might be time to consider a replacement set.
Other damage
So many people think about normal wear and tear when it comes to their tires. However, your tire can experience wear and damage in areas other than the tread. Your tire wall should also be inspected on a regular basis. If you notice cracks or other damage, it could be time to change your tires. Sometimes holes from sharp objects like nails can be repaired. It’s best to always have a professional perform any such repairs.
For quality new tires from experts, you can trust, contact us today at (647) 745-0930. We understand the importance of road safety and we always put the needs of our customers first!