Signs Your Vehicle’s Tires Need to Be Replaced

Riding on old or worn out tires has serious consequences, including an increased risk of getting into a car accident or experiencing tire failure. Other drawbacks of driving a car with bad tires include decreased fuel economy, traction, and braking power. Read this article to determine whether or not it is time to visit a car shop for new tires.

You’ve Had The Tires For More Than Five Years

If you drive between 15,000 and 20,000 miles per year, then your car’s tires will wear out in about two to four years. If you drive less than this, your tires may last much longer. However, tire experts recommend that you don’t drive on the same tires longer than five years, because the rubber material starts to wear out and lose its ability to grip the road after this point.

The Tires Don’t Have Enough Tread

Without sufficient tread, your car’s tires will be unable to maintain traction, especially on wet roads. To determine whether your tires have enough tread, perform the penny test. Take a penny and put it into the grooves of your car’s tires with Lincoln’s head down. If you can see Lincoln’s entire head, you have almost 2/32nd of an inch of tread depth remaining, which means it is time to go to a car repair shop to replace the tires as soon as possible.

The Tires Have Unusual Wear Patterns or Damage

Perform a visual inspection of your tires. Do you see any cracks or cuts on the sidewall? Do you see any bulges, blisters, or any other forms of damage on the tire? If so, go to a car repair shop for new tires right away. The longer you drive on damaged tires, the greater your chances of experiencing a dangerous tire failure.

If your car’s tires have exhibited any of the above-mentioned characteristics, come to Michael J’s Body Shop of San Jose. Our auto body shop carries new tires and performs quality tire maintenance. Call us at 408-279-2070 for more information, and visit our website to learn more about our auto repair services.