Most vehicle owners put off replacing their tires until they have an accident. The best time to replace your tires is before you have an accident. The good news is that modern tires last much longer than tires made just decades ago. Getting new tires is a great way to invest in your safety. Here is how to know when it’s time to replace tires in Schenectady, NY.
Over Ten Years Old
If your tires are over ten years old, they need to be replaced. Most tires wear out between six and ten years of age, depending on how often they are used, the conditions of the roads they are used on and whether the tires have been exposed to extreme weather conditions. Although it is possible for very lightly used vehicles to have ten year old tires in good condition, for the most part driving on such old tires is an accident waiting to happen.
Uneven Tread Wear
Although many people stick a penny in their tires to see how deep the tread is, they fail to realize that tires often wear away unevenly. If you are finding it more difficult to control your car, especially in wet weather, and yet your tire tread still looks deep, chances are the problem is uneven tire tread wear. You would need to jack up the car and look all around the tire to see where the rough or uneven spots are.
Presence of Cracks or Bubbles
Your tires should not have large cracks or bubbles in them. This is especially dangerous along the treads or by the sidewalls. Very small or thin cracks can be ignored for now, but need to be monitored. If these small cracks get larger or thicker, then you know that the tire is falling apart. Replace it as soon as possible.
Don’t Forget About the Spare
While you are getting your tires replaced, make sure you check the condition of your spare tire. Even if the tire has never been used, it will degenerate with age. If one of your old tires is still in good shape, it can replace your current spare.
