Skids and blowouts are an ever-present threat for all drivers. If your tires lose traction with the road, even for a moment, a catastrophic accident may ensue. Healthy tires are in many ways the first line of defense in your vehicle’s safety systems. Learn some tips, tricks, and signs that you may need new tires, as well as what to do, to determine if you need new tires if you experience any of the following issues.
Worn-Out Tread Depths
To maintain proper traction, the treads of your tires should always remain deeper than 2/32 of an inch. Whenever you check your tire air pressure, also take note of the tread depths. If any of your tires are nearing 2/32 of an inch in depth, it’s time for a new set of tires.
Bulging Tire Rubber
Internal damage to tires can cause outer bulges and blisters. These kinds of internal ruptures can be caused by impacts with curbs, parking stanchions, or potholes. A tire with an external bulge or blister will usually need to be replaced.
Cracked Tire Sidewalls
As your tires age and gradually dry out, the sidewalls are likely to develop cracks. When these cracks grow noticeably long and deep, they might weaken the tire; it’s best to have a technician take a look.
Deep Cuts or Gashes
All kinds of objects on the road can cut or gash tire rubber. Very small cuts in the thickest portion of tire treads might be harmless, but deeper cuts in thinner areas like the sidewalls or inside the tread voids can sometimes spell the end for the tire unless a repair is possible.
Embedded Objects
If you find an embedded nail, screw, metal fragment, piece of glass, or other object in one of your tires, remove it to see if the tire is seriously punctured. You might be able to have a minor puncture repaired, but it could also mean the tire is no longer safe to drive on.
Diminishing Air Pressure
Any tire that consistently loses air is hazardous to use. Ask a technician to diagnose the source of mysteriously falling air pressure, which might be a hidden puncture or a dented wheel rim.
Strange Road Vibrations
When tires become uneven, damaged, or excessively worn, you might notice an increase in vibrations and road noise. This is likely to become more apparent when driving at high speeds.
Reduced Traction on Water
If you sense a monetary loss of traction when traversing a wet road surface, you might have a serious problem with your tires. Even if you can’t detect a tire fault, consider having your tires replaced; all drivers should feel absolute confidence in their tires at all times.
Need New Tires? Visit Your Local Ford Dealer
Have your tires repaired or replaced today at Auffenberg Ford North in O’Fallon, IL. We offer an impressive lineup of new and pre-owned vehicles along with courteous, personalized customer service, whatever your car-related needs might be.
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