Getting a flat tire while you’re driving can be incredibly stressful. Not only can it completely derail your plans, but it can also lead to a nasty accident. This is why you’ll want to do all you can to make sure that your tires are in the best possible condition. To help you out, we thought it would be useful to put together a brief article on common signs that there are issues with your tire. If this is something that you’re interested in learning more about, read on for five telling signs that indicate you may need to replace your tires.
Your Tires Fail the Penny Test
You can check your tire treads by using a penny. Place the penny in the tread groove with Lincoln’s head facing down. If you can see the top of Lincoln’s head, it means your tire needs to be replaced. The treads wear down over time, which is why you end up seeing more of Lincoln’s head.
Your Tires’ Sidewalls Are Cracked
Tires experience a lot of usage, which can wear them down gradually. Tires can get old and the rubber can start to crack and cause a tire blowout. The sidewalls of the tire can also wear down from weather, incorrect alignment, and scraping against curbs.
Your Tires Have Bulges
Sometimes you’ll be able to spot the problem just by looking at your tires. If you notice any bulges or bubbles on the sidewalls, get your tires checked out immediately. Bulges can lead to a tire blowout. A bulge in the sidewall means that there’s a weak spot in the tire.
Your Pressure Light Is Lit
If you see the TPMS light come on in your vehicle, it means that your tires are under-inflated. This can be a sign that your tires are worn out and need to be replaced. You should always double-check your tire pressure when the TPMS light comes on, and this is a regular part of vehicle maintenance. However, it’s also a good idea to have your tires checked by a mechanic to be sure.
Your Car Shakes When You’re Driving
If your car vibrates when driving at both high and low speeds, it’s likely an issue with your tires. The metal belts inside the tires can slip, causing vibration. The only way to fix this is with new tires. However, if your car only vibrates when driving at highway speeds, the problem is likely with your wheels being unbalanced or out of alignment. These can be fixed by a mechanic, which means you likely won’t always need new tires.
Conclusion
We hope this article proves to be useful when it comes to helping you figure out when your tires need to be replaced. While this may seem like a lot of information to take in all at once, the information that we’ve laid out here should help make things infinitely easier. Be sure to keep everything you’ve learned here in mind to avoid tire issues down the line.
If you need a mechanic in Hoover, AL to help you with your tires, visit Hoover Automotive where our trusted mechanics will take good care of your car. For more information on what we can do for you, visit our website today!