Most drivers understand the importance of quality tires. Your tires are the only point of contact between your vehicle and the road, so it is important that they are ready for the job. They need to maintain traction on the road as you travel along, and not just in good conditions. Here in Idaho, of course, the weather can get a little rough from time to time. If you don't have good tires on your side, driving may become a rather dangerous activity.
So, you already know that good tires are essential. But do you know how to tell when it's time for a new set? After all, tires don't last forever. Even if you purchased a quality set of tires at one time - or if your vehicle came new with excellent tires - you'll eventually need to replace them. With this article, we hope to help you determine when the time is right to invest in a new set of tires.
Of course, if you would like to get expert help with this issue, simply turn the job over to the professional team at Taylor & Sons Chevrolet. Come see us to speak with a member of our staff about the current condition of your tires. We'll be happy to advise you with regard to how much life you might have left in your present set, and what you should be looking for when the time comes for replacement.
The Tread is Gone
Okay - so this is an easy place to start. If the tread has been worn off of your tires, it is time for a new set. Some drivers make the mistake of thinking that this is only dangerous in snowy or icy conditions, but that is just not the case. You won't have much grip on the road when you are driving on bald tires, so you'll always be at risk of losing control. From time to time, take a walk around your vehicle when it is parked to inspect the remaining tread. You should be able to judge the remaining tread pretty well visually, but running your fingers across the surface of the tire will tell the full story. If the surface of the tire is relatively smooth, the time is now to have a new set of tires installed. Another quick and easy way to check your tire wear is with a tread-depth gauge. These tools come in either digital or mechanical versions. The easiest way to check wear on your tire is with a penny. Place a penny upside down in between the tire tread as shown on the right. If you can see the top of Lincoln's head, the treads are worn and tire replacement is needed.
You Are on a Spare
This is another point which should be pretty self-explanatory. Spare tires are only meant to help you get home safely after you have a flat tire or another issue with one of your regular tires. Spare tires are not meant for long-term, ongoing use. So, if you are currently driving on a spare, it would be wise to look for a permanent solution in the form of a new set.
The Tires Are Damaged
It is easy to overlook this point, but it is another important one. Again, take a visual inspection of your tires while the car is parked. This time, instead of looking just at the treat, take an overall view of each tire. Do you have any cracks appearing in the rubber? Are there any other obvious signs of trauma that may affect the stability of the tire moving forward? A damaged tire can be a dangerous tire, as it may be susceptible to a blowout while on the road. Make a habit of checking for tire damage to make sure you aren't putting yourself in a risky situation.
It's Been Many Years
One of the sneaky ways to get into trouble with your tires is to just assume they are in good condition because you haven't driven that many miles. This happens when a vehicle is not used on a day-to-day basis, and just sits in a garage or driveway. Without regular driving, the tread on your tires is going to remain in good condition. With plenty of tread and no obvious signs of damage, it's easy to assume that the tires are ready to go.
But is that the case? Not necessarily. The condition of the rubber is going to degrade over time, especially if the vehicle is left out in the elements. By allowing your tires to sit day after day under the blazing hot sun, or out in the freezing cold, you will be gradually damaging the condition of the rubber. If enough time has passed, you may be left with tires that shouldn't be used any longer - even if the tread is almost perfectly intact. Before actively using tires that have been sitting idle for a long period of time, give them a careful inspection to look for signs of cracking or other issues. With something as important as tires, you always want to err on the side of caution.
Having New Tires Installed
Once you have decided that it is time to have a new set of tires installed on your vehicle, you will want to make sure that the work is done correctly. This might not be the most complicated task that can be performed on your car or truck, but it should still be handled by experienced hands. You want to come away from the experience knowing that you can trust your new tires to help keep you safe on the roads of the Ponderay area and beyond.
If you are ready to have new tires installed, or you would like some advice on picking out the right set of new tires, please contact Taylor & Sons Chevrolet right away. Remember, finding the right tires is not just about picking a set that will fit on your wheels, but it's also about matching the tires to your lifestyle. What kind of performance are you going to require them to provide? Think about the conditions you tend to face on the road, and find a tire that is up to the challenge. Thank you for stopping by, and we hope to serve you soon!