7 Signs Your Tires Need Replacing: Don’t Ignore These Red Flags!
Introduction
Do you know, every year around 200 people die in 11,000 car crashes that occur due to tire-related issues, as per the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)? Since the vehicle’s tires are the only point of physical contact between the vehicle and the road, they need to be well-maintained to ensure a safe driving experience.
Imagine yourself being stuck in the middle of nowhere with a flat tire. Sounds like a nightmare? Fortunately, you can manage to escape such situations by keeping an eye on the warning signs to replace your tires on time. In this guide, we’ll discuss in detail the 7 signs that your tire needs replacement. Let’s get started!
7 Signs Your Tire Need Replacement
Most drivers are likely to get their tires checked only when they bulge out or produce excessive vibrations. However that’s not when you should start considering to replace the tires, as it’s too late! There are multiple signs that alert drivers to get new tires timely, such as getting a flat tire too often, cracked rubber, visible cords, and more. Let’s explore each sign and symptom in detail:
1. Tires Failing the Penny Test
Don’t want to visit the mechanic? Here’s a simple solution! Perform the penny test on your tires to find out if you need a new one. It’s as simple as it sounds. Take a penny in your hand and place it vertically between the grooves with Lincoln’s head in a downward direction. If you can still see the head, it means the tire treads are too worn, which is a clear sign that your vehicle needs a new tire immediately.
The principle behind this test is that when the tires are worn out, treads become smaller, and the Lincoln’s head on the penny becomes visible. The method is effective yet not scientific.
2. Sidewalls of Tires Getting Cracked
Performing the penny test can show the tread’s condition but not the actual health of tire rubber. Look at the sides of your tires; if you see any cracks, it’s time to replace them. Moreover, sidewall cracking can also lead to blowout at a high speed, and you’ll end up losing control over your vehicle.
Multiple parameters can crack your sidewalls, such as aging, weather effects, and scratching your tires against the curb or footpath while parking.
3. Poor Traction on the Road
One of the significant signs of tire aging is poor traction on the road. As the tires wear out, the treads get shallow and start to disappear, causing your vehicle to lose grip on the road.
If you’re experiencing poor traction and grip both at high and slow speeds, chances are that your vehicle’s tires need to be replaced immediately. The quietest all-terrain tires offer good traction on all terrains. But as soon as the treads wear out, they lose traction.
4. Tread Wear Bars are Visible
Tire tread wear bars are indicators of wear and tear from the manufacturer’s side. Most tire brands have tread wear bars, which are raised bars between the treads inside the grooves. Whenever these tread wear bars become visible and level with the treads, it’s a clear indication that your vehicle needs tire replacement.
While buying a new set of tires, you might not be able to see the tread wear bars. When a tire gets worn out, wear bars become visible, and the tire will start producing more noise on the road.
5. Tire cords are Visible.
Another important sign that explains your tire’s poor condition is the visible tire cords. Consider this as a high-priority warning sign, as the metal or polyester cords are present below the treads and support the overall tire structure. Once the cords are visible, the tire will lose traction and grip from that specific part and will not be safe anymore.
Note: Once you see the cords, it is recommended not to drive the vehicle anymore and that the tires be replaced immediately.
6. Tires are Bulging Out
Wondering what is a tire bulge? It looks like a bubble on the sidewalls of the tire and can be a result of tire damage due to heavy impact of hitting a pothole, an accident, or when the tire age limit is reached. Once the tire’s age limit is reached, the tire rubber becomes so weak that it bulges out from the weakest spot. Another culprit is driving with low air pressure as it can overstress the tire rubber causing it to protrude out.
Not only the tires can burst when bulged out, but it can damage the wheels as well. Therefore, consider it as a warning sign to get the tires replaced as soon as possible.
7. 6-10 Years or 50,000 Miles Limit Reached
No matter if you drive your vehicle on a daily basis or twice a month, the tire rubber has an expiration date. As per the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), vehicle tires must be replaced every 6-10 years, with a time span of 50,000 miles, even if no damage sign appears.
This is because certain factors, such as harsh weather conditions or driving with improper inflation, can cause damage to the rubber, which might not be visible to the naked eye.
Conclusion
Getting a new set of tires is not an option but a safety measure to ensure a safe driving experience for everyone on the road. Multiple signs and symptoms serve as an indicator that your vehicle needs tire replacement.
Some of these signs include poor traction, cracks, and bulges on the sidewall, visible tread wear bars and metal cords. Ignoring these signs can cause tires to burst anytime compromising safety on the road. Once you see these signs, get your worn-out tires replaced immediately!
