There are numerous indicators to look out for that will cause you to buy new tires for your vehicle. However, attempting to figure out the precise time span for how long your tires last is nearly impossible. There are numerous elements that factor into the longevity and mileage of a tire, subject to:
- Weather forecast
- Tire’s model type
- Driving routine
- How driver handles tires
- Road’s habitat
What we do know is, that the more beating a tire takes on, the more likelihood that it is unsafe to drive. A tire tread’s initial design is to reroute water from beneath the tire, which leads to improvements in traction on the road and less hydroplaning when the ground is wet. The more worn that the tire gets, the more undependable it gets. Once the tire shallows down to 1/16th of an inch, it is considered totally unsafe. Professionals, however, suggest that you don’t wait until your tires get to that point to get new tires because your safety will be in jeopardy in bad weather conditions.
The Penny Test
Testing your tires tread will cost you a small fee of one cent. This is commonly referred to as the penny test. It’s a small price to pay when it comes to your tires and safety. First, place a penny head first into different tread grooves throughout the tire. If the top of Lincoln’s head is continuously showing, it is likely that the treads are low and used up. If you find yourself in this situation, you will need new tires. Conversely, if part of Lincoln’s head is consistently enclosed by the tread, you most likely have more than 2/32 of an inch of tread depth left to work with.
How a Wheel Alignment Can Help Prolong the Life of Your New Tires
When your car’s wheels are out of alignment, your vehicle will suffer in several ways. First, your handling capability drops significantly. Also, your ability to turn in either direction is dramatically affected, and your car will likely struggle to drive in a straight line, as it is consistently pulling in one direction. All these factors can negatively impact the lifespan of your tires. If your wheels are out of alignment, your new tires will wear unevenly, which means you’ll have to get new tires again sooner, or you’ll need a tire repair. This adds considerable expense to the cost owning your car overall. Declining to get a wheel alignment when you get new tires can also lead to flat spots or even tire blowouts.
Other Factors
Tire alignment is equally as important to the quality and care of your tires and should also be checked when checking tires. Alignment can help your tires perform properly and help them last longer. It can also improve handling and keep your vehicle from pulling in one direction or vibrating strangely on the road. If you notice that you’re in need of a tire alignment or just aren’t sure, bring your car in to get checked today.