How Do You Know When You Need New Tires?

Are you tired of going out to your car each morning and seeing a flat tire?  Even with regular tire service, such as car alignment, tire balancing, and rotating the tires, tires can only last a certain number of miles before they will want to be replaced.  Don’t put yourself or others at risk because you’re driving on bad tires!

How do you know when you need new tires, you ask?  Under normal driving conditions and with regular tire service, most tires these days are rated to last up to 50K miles.  Tire specialists recommend changing tires about every 6 years, regardless of whether they have been driven 50K miles or 50 miles.  You should be aware that 6 years is the time limit for most tire guarantees.  And remember that if you have tires that have reached the 10-year mark, the rubber has weakened, and driving safety is compromised.

There are also some conditions that will shorten the life of your tires, such as neglecting regular tire service, driving constantly over bad roads filled with bumps and potholes, and fast stops and acceleration.  

Here are various tire service tips that will help keep your tires in good condition:   

• Maintain the correct air pressure – The right amount of air pressure in the tires will ensure that they are connecting with the road with the least rolling resistance which helps with fuel economy and that the tread wears more evenly. 
• Frequent inspections – Look for cuts or slashes in the rubber, excessive tread wear, or uneven tread wear patterns.
• Rotate tires – About every 6,000 to 8,000 miles, have your tires rotated so that the tread and rubber wear evenly.  
• Maintain the proper wheel alignment – All the tires should be going straight in a similar direction, indicated by the steering wheel in the correct position.  
• Keep the tires balanced – Weights placed on specific points of the tire help even out the weight of the tire, providing a smoother trip. 

Wonder how do you know when you need new tires?  Call our ASE Certified Mechanics at Gary’s Quality Automotive for more information about tire service and to request an appointment.  Our auto repair shop proudly serves vehicle owners in Grand Island, NE, Wood River, NE, and Doniphan, NE.