How are your tires looking? For that matter, do you remember the last time you checked?
Ideally, you should conduct a regular visual inspection of your tires. This can help you spot and correct issues early (so you don't need to shop for new tires sooner than necessary). As a driver, you're familiar with inspecting your tires for the obvious signs that it's time to replace them: low tread depth, irregular wear that wasn't caught early, and damage. However, there are other signs. You might need new tires if the age of the tires is high, you notice performance issues, or you experience lower fuel efficiency.
In our state of Arkansas, where the varied terrain and weather can accelerate tire wear, it's particularly important to know replacement tire signs. That's why Arch Street Wheel & Tire is taking a closer look at how you can tell when it's time for new tires.
The most straightforward way to check if your tires need replacing is to examine the tread depth. While states vary on laws related to tread depth, it is typically recommended that you go no lower than 2/32 of an inch. Ideally, you should replace the tires before they reach this point. You can tell when the tread is low by looking at the wear indicators or conducting the penny test. We'll take a look at both methods below:
Wear Indicators: The U.S. Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards require all tires to have wear indicators, also known as tread wear bars, which are small, raised bars that run perpendicular to the direction of the tread itself. They are not visible on a new tire but begin to appear as the tire wears down. Check in the grooves of your tire's tread. The wear bars are located at various points around the tire. When the tread is worn down to the same level as these raised bars, you should replace them.
Penny Test: The penny test is a quick way to check the tread of your tire. To perform this test, take a US penny and insert it into the tire's tread groove with Lincoln's head facing down. If you can see all of Lincoln's head, it's time for new tires.
It's important to remember that low tread depth significantly increases your risk of accidents, especially in rainy conditions, by reducing your vehicle's grip on the road. For your safety, the safety of your passengers, and the safety of others on the road, it's recommended that you check your tire tread regularly and replace your tires when the tread is low.
Now this is a factor that not everyone thinks about when it comes to replacing tires, but you should add it to your list of signs.
Tire manufacturers recommend replacing your tires after so many years, regardless of tread wear. The amount of time differs by tire model and manufacturer, but is typically anywhere between six to ten years. While your tires might still look like they are in great shape, especially if you don't drive often, the tire materials can be in not-so-great shape. Over time, the material that makes up a tire starts to degrade, which can lead to reduced performance and even tire failure. If you've ever run across an old rubber band, you already know the effects of time on rubber.
Tire aging can be accelerated due to the heat, making it even more important to keep track of how old your tires are if you live in Arkansas, where summers get hot.
Regularly inspect your tires for signs of damage, such as cuts, cracks, bulges, or punctures.
Arkansas roads can be tough on tires, with potholes and uneven surfaces contributing to wear and tear. Additionally, if you notice that your tires are wearing unevenly, this can be a sign of incorrect inflation or other issues with your vehicle that can compromise safety and efficiency. The good news is that catching issues early allows you to address them so you can continue driving with your current set of tires. If you don't catch the issue or remedy it in a timely manner, however, you will need to shop for new tires.
If your car or truck isn't handling as well as your remember, such as slipping more easily in wet conditions or taking longer to stop, it might be a sign that your tires are worn out. Performance degradation can be subtle, so it's important to pay attention to how your vehicle behaves on the road.
Worn-out tires can affect your vehicle's fuel efficiency. If you're filling up the tank more often without a noticeable change in your driving habits, it could be due to decreased tire performance. Give your tires a visual inspection and check the tire pressure levels. Keep in mind that underinflated tires won't necessarily look like they are underinflated. Some motorists don't check air pressure until the Tire Pressure Monitoring (TPMS) light turns on, but the team at Arch Street Wheel & Tire would like to remind you that you don't need to wait until that point to check your tires.
In any case, low fuel economy can be a sign that it's time for new tires.
Arch Street Wheel & Tire offers a great selection of tires from leading brands to keep you rolling in Little Rock and wherever your adventures take you next. Our tire purchase and tire installation services, including staggered tire installation and tire installation on lifted trucks, will have you back on the road and ready to go.
Don't wait until it's too late—check your tires as part of your regular vehicle maintenance routine. If you notice any of the signs mentioned above, contact a Little Rock tire shop like Arch Street Wheel & Tire to purchase new tires that suit your vehicle and your application (we also have custom wheels).
Stay safe, and keep your tires in check!
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