When was the last time you thought about your car’s tires? Drivers often put a lot of thought into making sure their cars are cleaned and their fluids are changed, but many people often forget about their tires until they’re stranded on the side of the road with a flat. Be proactive and look for signs that your tires are wearing down and need to be replaced so you don’t find yourself in this situation. According to the Denver car repair experts at Mancinelli’s Auto Repair Center, here’s how you know it’s time for a new set of tires:
Air Pressure Issues
If the pressure in your tires drops too low, you should see a small light glaring on your dashboard. Losing pressure in your tires once in awhile is completely normal, but if you constantly have to add air to your tires, it could be a sign that you need to have them replaced. Learn how to add air to your tires so you can be proactive about your car care.
Vibrations
It’s normal for your car to vibrate or shake a little bit when you’re driving over uneven surfaces or unpaved roads, but if it’s happening all the time, it could indicate that there is an issue with your tires. If the vibration seems to be stemming from underneath the seats, this usually means it’s a problem with the rear tires. However, if it’s coming from the steering wheel area, it usually indicates a problem with the suspension.
Age
Even if you haven’t noticed any issues with your tires, there comes a time where you should still consider having them replaced. The lifespan of a tire will vary depending on the manufacturer, but many recommend having your tires inspected regularly (and possibly replaced) if you’ve had them for five years or more.
The Penny Test
When the tread begins to wear down, it typically means it’s time for a new tire. But, many people don’t know how to tell when the tread is wearing down. To determine if your tread is worn down, simply perform the penny test. Take a penny and place it into the tire’s tread with Abraham Lincoln’s head facing down. If you see the top of Lincoln’s head, the tread is too low and you will need a replacement tire.
However, if you have newer tires, you won’t need to perform this test at all. New tires are made with flat rubber bars that begin to appear once the tread starts to wear down. So, if you have these tires, simply keep an eye out for the rubber bars so you know when to change your tires.
If you think it’s time to have your tires replaced, don’t forget to schedule an appointment with the experts at Mancinelli’s Auto Repair Center. You can request an auto repair appointment with Mancinelli’s Auto Repair Center online, or you can also text us. We have same day services available on most work and we also offer our customers access to a convenient, free shuttle to make sure you and your vehicle are taken care of.