Many drivers do not realize that good tire condition is essential to the performance and safety of a vehicle. Tires can also affect how much fuel is burned and thus how much you have to pay at the pump.
One set of tires is not designed to last the life of a vehicle. Daily wear and tear, and general driving habits could cause tires to pass their prime faster. Here’s how to determine if it’s time to shop for new tires.
1. Take a look at the tread pattern on your tires. Tires have “tread wear bars,” which are small bridges that form between your treads. You will see the beginnings of these bars start to form between the treads, or running across the tires. Once the tread wear bars are flush with the tire’s tread, it’s time to replace the tire.
2. Grab a penny from your pocket and insert it into the tire tread, with Lincoln’s head facing down. A tire with ample tread will go up until at least Lincoln’s forehead. If his hair or any of the penny above his hair is showing, your tires are worn and must be replaced.
3. Pay attention to the performance of your vehicle. If you’ve been losing traction or having trouble stopping, the tires are probably worn. Do the above two tests to confirm.
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