6 Warning Signs You Need New Tires

Jun 06, 2003

 Tires are one of the most important aspects of safe driving. Since tires are so important, you should know these early warning signs that show you need to consider buying new tires.

37d12f2eb9389b50c36838a18e35e5dde6116eaa

 How do you know it’s time for buying new tires? 

 There are several reasons why it would be time to get new tires. Tires not holding air, bald tread, and obvious damage are probably the most common and important signs to let us know if it’s time for changing tires. However, there are more subtle warning signs that can not only help you know when you need to be buying new tires but can also help you keep your tires longer. 

Visible sidewall damage 

Obviously, if you shred a tire with a broken wheel or a blowout occurs, you know that tire is needed to be changed, but doing a regular visual inspection of your tires can keep you safer, and even maybe help you keep your tires for longer. Keep a keen eye out for scuffs and scrapes on the outside sidewall of your tires; even little scrapes can weaken your tires and endanger you and others.

How to keep uneven tire wear at bay?

Proper inflation is the number one key to keeping your tires nice for longer and keeping you safe. An overinflated tire or underinflated tire can both cause uneven wear making your tire’s integrity quickly decline. Keep a tire pressure gauge in your car at all times and check tire pressure regularly. Also, rotating tires periodically can help mitigate uneven tire wear. 

How do you know if your tire tread is too low?

Most tires these days have low tread indicators bars built into the tire itself. But even if your tires don’t show that information, every auto parts store sells a simple tire tread gauge. The minimum allowable tread depth is 1.5875mm. Anything below that means it’s time for new tires. 

What do lumps in your tire mean?

Lumps are basically never a good thing. Sometimes tires can form defects that look like a tumor or blister on the sidewalls of the tire. If you see these bubbles, it is an indication that it’s time to replace it. Those spots are weak and can lead to catastrophic tire failure. 

Can bad tires cause vibration? 

When it comes to driving, vibrations are rarely benign. Excessive steering wheel vibration is usually an indicator that something is off with your wheels or tires. This could come from a bent wheel, unbalanced tires, and defective tires.

Buy new tires when you need them

Putting off tire care and replacement is not a great idea, if you need new tires, buy them ASAP. With these six early warning signs, you will know better when it’s time to get new tires.