If you’re wondering, “When do I need new tires?” we have some answers to your questions and concerns. Perhaps you’ve had a flat or experienced another specific tire issue, and you’re thinking it may be time for new tires, but you’re not sure. Maybe you ran over a nail. Do you need a tire repair or to replace your tire? What about a wheel alignment? You’ve seen advertisements and heard commercials for wheel alignments, but when is it truly necessary? As a non-mechanic, how do you know? Well, we can point you in the right direction, right now, and give you honest advice for tire care when you come to our shop.

Common Trick - The Penny Test

Modern tires sold in the U.S. have “tread wear bars,” which are small raised rubber bars in the grooves of your tires. When you look at your tire tread, you’ll see these bars running between the tread. If you see these bars are flush with your tire tread, it’s time for new tires. Another easy way to tell if you need new tires is the penny test. Simply take a penny and place Lincoln’s head in one of the grooves of your tire tread. If you can see all of Lincoln’s head, then head to a tire shop for new tires. While you’re inspecting your tires, check a few different spots for any irregular tread wear. This could indicate you need a wheel alignment as well as new tires.

How a Wheel Alignment Can Help Prolong the Life of Your New Tires

Despite the amount of attention you give your tires, there are still outside forces that will take a toll on your tire’s condition. If you consistently drive in crude weather conditions or you’ve had your tires for many years now, the elasticity loses shape and crack start forming along the surface. Remember, if the cracks are light then you don’t have anything to worry about. Now if you notice a lot of splintering on your tire, you should act fast in taking your tires to get looked at by a professional sooner rather than later.

Tire Alignment

Regardless of the amount of time and care you put into your tires, there are still other elements out of your control that effect your tires. If you live in an area with jarring weather conditions or your tires are starting to age, the elasticity begins to get loose and cracks appear along the outside. Small cracks shouldn’t cause for any worry, however if you begin to see a reoccurrence of splintering you are definitely going to want to take your car into a shop to get your tires further examined.