Taking your vehicle in for regular maintenance services is a critical part of taking care of your car. However, times may call for desperate measures when you need to take your car in for special repairs or replace the components earlier than originally planned. But how can you tell when it’s time to replace some of your car’s most critical components, like your tires? Keep reading to discover some of the most common signs that it might be time to get your tires replaced:
You Notice Visible Signs of Damage
The first thing you can do to check your tires is to conduct a visual inspection. Check to see if there are any visible signs of cracks, holes, or foreign objects that are lodged into your tires. These could have been caused by old road conditions, bumps, and abnormalities that weaken the wheels.
They’re Starting to Get Old
If your tires are over a few years old, it might be time to get them replaced. Check your vehicle’s owner’s manual for a specific recommendation for how often they should be replaced or after how many miles they cover. On average, they typically last anywhere between three and four years, although it depends on how far you drive, how often, and which model car you own.
You’re Noticing Vibrations As You Drive
If you start noticing vibrations or misalignments while driving, that could be a sign that your tires are starting to wear out. You might notice that while your vehicle used to drive smoothly, now you’re going over bumps and experiencing shakiness on the roads. Your tires might also be misaligned or imbalanced, which means you should take your car to a local technician for service. However, they may have also changed in shape and are no longer completely round, which means you should get them replaced soon. Another explanation could be that your tires haven’t been inflated properly, and are either overinflated or underinflated. In this case, you should refer to your owner’s manual and follow the instructions for inflating them properly.
Check the Tread Depth
If you’re wondering how you can check the depth of your tires, you can do the old penny test. Take a penny and hold it up against the tires — put it into the groove and see if you can see Lincoln’s head. If you can still see his entire head, that means your tires have worn out and gotten too thin, and you need to get them replaced soon.
If you notice any signs of damage, it’s highly recommended you take your car to a mechanic to inspect the tires and replace them if needed. At the McKinney Motor Auto Repair company in Albuquerque, our auto experts have the knowledge and expertise to help you fix your tires, and take care of all of your vehicle maintenance needs. Visit our website or call us at (505)-298-6734 to book an appointment today — you won’t be disappointed with our high-quality services.
