How Do You Know if You Need New Tires?
You need to be aware of three things when deciding if you need new tires: tread wear, exposure to the elements and tire age.
Tread Wear
Who says a penny doesn’t buy you anything? With this easy test, a penny can buy you peace of mind when it comes to your tires and safety. Place a penny head first into several tread grooves across the tire. If you always see the top of Lincoln’s head, your treads are shallow and worn. If this is the case, your tires need to be replaced. If part of Lincoln’s head is always covered by the tread, you have more than 2/32 of an inch of tread depth remaining. This means you probably don’t need new tires.
Why Worry About Tread Wear?
The most important reason to worry about tread wear is safety. When your tire treads are worn, your car may respond poorly in adverse weather conditions like rain and snow. With good treads your car will grip the road better. Also, having insufficient tread is considered illegal in many states. And finally, worn treads can make other parts of your car wear prematurely.
Exposure to the Elements
Exposure to heat and the sun’s ultraviolet rays may cause structural changes to your tires. These changes are not usually a concern in moderate climates.
Tire Age
How old are your tires? Regardless of tread wear, vehicle manufacturers generally recommend you replace your tires at six years. Most tire manufacturers recommend you replace your tires at 10 years. Check the manufacturer’s recommendations on your specific tires.
I Need New Tires
When it’s time to change your tires, your Firestone Complete Auto Care dealer wants to make purchasing a new set as simple as possible. We have the best selection of quality tires to fit your vehicle, your budget and your driving style. From economy to ultra high performance tires—in the size you need from brands you trust, including our well-known Bridgestone and Firestone brands—you can Find What You Need Right Here.
