Are your tires safe to drive on?
Tired of not knowing about the most important safety feature on your vehicle? We will spare you the research- and give you everything you need to know about replacing your tires.
Tires are one of the most important safety features of your vehicle. They support your vehicle load, transmit traction and braking forces to the road, absorb road shocks to keep you safe, all while simultaneously allowing your vehicle to get you where you want to go! It is necessary to keep your tires in good condition to ensures your safety on the road, better gas mileage, increased performance, and numerous other advantages for you and your vehicle.
How do you know you need a new set of tires?
Your car’s owner’s manual will offer information on milage specific to your make and model for regular tire replacement. Regular tests should be done to make sure everything is working properly – some can even be done at home.
One of the most vital safety features of a tire is the tread. Tread is the rubber on the circumference of the tire that makes contact with the road or trail. The more you use your tires, the more your tread gets worn out, which limits its effectiveness in providing traction. In the United States, tire tread depth is measured in 32nds of an inch, and the US Department of Transportation recommends replacing your tires once they get to 2/32.”
The most commonly known test to check your tread is called the “penny test.” To conduct the penny test, place a penny between the ribs, the raised portions of the tread, of the tire. Make sure that Lincoln’s head is pointing down into the tread. If the top of Lincoln’s head disappears between the ribs, then your tread is still above 2/32. If you can still see his head, then it’s time to replace your tires. This tread test is helpful, but always get them inspected if you have concerns.
To check the exact age of your tires, you can refer to the DOT number on the side of the tire. The last four digits on the number are the week and year the tire was produced.
Can I keep driving on my old set of tires?
In short, no. Driving on tires that need to be replaced can be very dangerous. Cracks may develop in the rubber as they age, and this can lead to multiple safety issues for both you and others on the road. Even if the cracks and wear are invisible to the eye, there are lots of underlying issues that could present themselves.
Come to us at Houska Automotive for tire service to we can make you feel safe while driving your vehicle. Contact us to make an appointment.