Part of your car that helps you stay safe on the road is tyres. Car grip on the surface, smooth turning, and stopping on time are all helped by them. Incorrect tyres can thus lead to accidents. Replacing your tyres at the appropriate time can help keep you safer and help your car run better. This guide will explain the telltale signs that it’s time to change tyres and how to care for them.
Why Tyre Health Matters?
The right amount of traction and great car response to steering are provided by good tyres. Too worn out tyres lose grip, which causes skids. Worn tyres are also dangerous in wet or icy weather when they can’t push water or snow away. Tyre changes at the right time can prevent accidents and make your car handle the road a lot better.
Checking Tyre Tread: The Penny Test
One thing is that tyre treads wears down over time, and it makes the car harder to stop or stay steady. To check the tread, you can use a penny:
- So, hold a penny and Lincoln’s head points down.
- Put it in the spaces between the tread grooves.
- The tread is too low if you can see the top of Lincoln’s head; these are the new tyres you need.
When roads are wet, tyres with low tread are dangerous. Changing tyres when the tread depth is down to 2/32 of an inch is the recommendation of most experts.
Look for Cracks, Bulges, or Cuts
Rubber breaks down over time. The older the tyre, the more likely the sidewall or tread breaks or cracks. If the inside of the tyre is damaged, they can bulge. When these signs present themselves, it means that the tyre may blow out while driving. Check your tyres regularly for any visually damaged ones, and replace them when it’s necessary.
Tyre Age: How Old is Too Old?
Your tyres may look fine, but they may be too old to use safely. Tyres get harder with age, thus rendering them less effective. According to most tyre manufacturers, you should change your tyres even if there is still tread left after six to 10 years.
To find the age of your tyre:
- You should check the sidewall for the DOT number.
- The week and year the tyre was made is shown in the last four digits. Say, for example, the tyre says 3518; it was made in the 35th week of 2018.
Even if your tyres look fine, if they are more than six years old, consider a tyre replacement.
Uneven Wear and What It Means?
Tyres should wear evenly. This can affect your car’s performance because if one part of the tyre is worn more than the rest, uneven wear can happen because of:
- Wheel alignment problems
- Unbalanced tyres
- Improper tyre pressure
By feeling the surface of your tyres, you check them. If one side is more worn or has bald spots, then they may need to be replaced. This can also mean that you need a wheel alignment.
Listen for Signs While Driving
Your car will tell you there is a tyre problem sometimes. Pay attention to these signs:
- Vibrations: If your car shakes while driving, your tyres are either out of balance or damaged.
- Pulling to One Side: If the car is pulling left or right, then your tyres may be unevenly worn or underinflated.
- Noisy Tyres: Tyre damage can cause strange noises.
If you experience any of these problems, have your tyres checked out immediately.
Changing Tyres for the Seasons
If you live in a cold winter country, then you should switch to winter tyres. Tyres for winter give better grip on snow and ice. Switch back to summer or all seasons in warm weather.
- Winter tyres: Best for snow and ice.
- Summer tyres: Good for dry and warm conditions, but not for wet.
- All-season tyres: Work in comfort but not in hot or cold weather.
Tyres change with the seasons, so you always have the appropriate tyre for the conditions.
Tread Wear Indicators
Tread wear indicators are little bars of rubber between the tread of most tyres. If the tread wears down to the same level as these bars, it’s time for a new tyre. If you see these bars, replace your tyres immediately.
Replacing One Tyre vs. All Four
Replacing just one damaged tyre can seem easier than replacing all four. But in all cases, it’s usually best to replace all four tyres at once. It keeps the car balanced so the tyres won’t run down catastrophically. If you can’t replace all four tyres, replace two tyres and put the new tyres on the back wheels. It helps prevent skidding, or losing control, in wet weather.
Monthly Tyre Checks
Check your tyres monthly. During your checks:
- Check the pressure: A tyre pressure gauge should be used to make sure your tyres get the proper amount of air. You can find this information in the car manual or in the driver’s door.
- Inspect for damage: Pay attention to cuts, cracks, and bulges.
- Check the tread: Eliminate the penny test and look for tread wear indicators.
It’s important to check regularly so that you can identify problems before they become accidents.
Why it’s Worth Replacing Tyres?
Driving on worn or damaged tyres can be dangerous, and tyres can be expensive. New tyres are a small investment, and this can help protect you and your passengers from costly accidents. The right time to replace tyres also helps out with fuel efficiency and the life of your car.
Final Thoughts
Safe driving is impossible without tyres. You can know when to replace them to prevent accidents and keep your car in good shape. Checking your tyres regularly and replacing them when necessary makes you a safe, confident driver, no matter the weather or road conditions. Don’t wait for a blowout; take care of your tyres, and they will take care of you.