Damaged tires negatively affect your vehicle’s fuel efficiency, handling, and stability on the road. Also, if your tires are past their prime, you might experience a blowout while driving. You should check your tires regularly to make sure they are in good working condition. When you perform routine checks, look for signs that you need new tires.
Low Air Pressure
Tires lose some air over time, but you likely have a leak if your tires are consistently low. Check your air pressure monthly, and if it is low, look for signs of a leak. If the tire appears to be in good condition, add air and then recheck the tire pressure. Keep an eye on it for a few days. If it loses air again, you need to go to a shop for a tire repair or replacement.
Worn Tread
Tires with low tread are more likely to lose air pressure and puncture. Low tread can also reduce performance and handling. Take out a penny and position it, so Lincoln is facing you, with his head pointing toward the ground. Put it between the grooves, and if you can see the top of the head, the tread is too low. If that’s the case, you need to replace your tires before they become severely damaged.
Uneven Wear on the Tread
The tread on your tires should wear out evenly. Tread wears unevenly due to various issues, including misaligned wheels, improper inflation, and suspension damage. Driving on tires with uneven tread increases the risk of a blowout, so replace them immediately. Also, have your mechanic inspect your vehicle to determine the cause of the uneven wear.
Cracked Rubber
Inspect your tires monthly, looking for signs of cracked rubber. As tires age, the rubber degrades, which can cause cracking. Cracks can also be caused by sunlight, some cleaning products, and misuse. Tires with cracks are unstable and dangerous, so don’t wait to upgrade to new ones.
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The Age of the Tires
If you’ve driven on your tires for five years or longer, you might need a new set. Have your tires inspected each year after hitting the five-year mark. If they pass the inspections, you can continue to drive on them until they are 10 years old. Driving on your tires past that point increases the risk of a blowout and other problems, so it’s wise to get them replaced.
If you notice any of these signs, James Corlew Cadillac in Clarksville, Tennessee, is here to help. You can schedule an appointment to get new tires online or stop in and see us. If your old tires are just part of the problem, we also have new Cadillacs in stock, as well as certified pre-owned and pre-owned vehicles. When you buy your car with us, you can also let us service it, so it will stay road-ready for years and years to come.