5 Signs You Need to Change Your Tires

The average lifespan of a car tire is about four years, although this depends on several factors such as driving habits and terrain. However, it’s important to keep an eye out for signs that your tires need to be changed long before they reach the four year mark. Here are five signs that indicate that you Need to Change Your Tires.

1. Your tires are balding.

One of the most obvious signs that you Need to Change Your Tires is when you start to notice the treads are wearing down. This is evident when your tires are balding, which means the treads have worn down and no longer provides grip. If you’re not sure if your tires are balding, insert a penny into the tread. If you can see all of Lincoln’s head, your treads are bald and you need new tires.

2. Your mileage is low.

Even if you don’t drive very much, your tires can still become worn and damaged over time. This is because the rubber on your tires will degrade due to exposure to UV rays and other elements, even when not in use. In general, if you don’t drive more than 7,500 miles per year, you should consider changing your tires every three years or so.

3. You’re experiencing vibration when driving.

Another sign that it’s time for new tires is if you start to feel vibration when driving, particularly at high speeds. This usually indicates that the treads are no longer evenly distributed, which can throw off balance and cause premature wear and tear. If you suspect your tires are unbalanced, take your car to a professional who can rebalance them for you.

4. Your steering feels off.

Steering that feels “off” or strange might be a warning sign that you need new tires. This is because misaligned wheels are often the result of balding tires struggling to grip the pavement. If you’re uncertain about your steering, take your car in for an alignment check promptly so any problems can be remedied before they cause additional damage.

5. You hit a pothole (or something else).

Though it may not always cause an immediate flat tire, hitting a pothole (or any other item in the road) can damage your tires. Thus, you should inspect your tires regularly after driving over something concerning so that problems don’t escalate. If you do get a flat, take care of it quickly so that incidental issues don’t arise later.

You don’t want to wait until your tires are 4 years old to start thinking about replacements. Proactively keeping an eye out for signs that it might be time will help extend their lifespan. Things to look for include balding treads, uneven wear and tear, and unusual vibrations while driving. These are all indicative of tire problems that need attention! If you get stuck with a flat tire in Omaha then give us a call.