Tires that are worn can be unsafe. They may not grip the road properly, which can cause a car to slide in rainy or snowy weather. Worn tires can also cause components in other parts of a vehicle to wear out faster than they should.
Tires with at least 4/32” of tread are in good condition. If your tires have less than that amount, check them on a regular basis. When they have 2/32” or less of tread remaining, it’s time to replace them.
There are a few simple ways to figure out if your tires have enough tread remaining or if it’s time to replace them. Most tires have treadwear indicator bars at the bottom of the tread grooves. They can be found in several locations around the tire. If the bars are flush with the ribs next to them, it’s time to replace the tires.
Another option is to insert a penny, head-first, into several grooves on each tire. If the top of Lincoln’s head is always visible, the tires need to be replaced. If part of Lincoln’s head is always covered, the tires are still in relatively good shape and probably don’t need to be replaced right away.
You can perform a similar test using a quarter. Insert it with the head down. If the tire tread touches Washington’s head, your tire has 4/32” or more of tread left.
Tires can wear unevenly if they are under-or over-inflated. That’s why it’s important to monitor your tire pressure on a regular basis and to adjust it as necessary.
Checking the pressure in your tires is a straightforward process. Just be sure to do it when you haven’t driven the car for at least three hours.
Remove the cap from a tire’s valve stem and place a pressure gauge on the valve stem. Compare the reading you get to the required pressure located in your vehicle owner’s manual or the sticker inside the driver’s door.
If the reading is too high, release some air until the pressure is where it should be. If the pressure reading is too low, use a compressor, if you have one, or take your car to a gas station to put air in the tires. Keep checking the pressure until it reaches the recommended level.
If you discover that your tires are worn out and need to be replaced, bring your car to Tire Country in Enfield, Connecticut. We sell tires made by several top manufacturers. A member of our team can explain the differences between various models and help you select the ones that are right for your vehicle, your driving habits, and your budget. Contact us today to schedule an appointment.
Please click anywhere to continue browsing our site.