New tires. Tire repairs. Wheel alignments. Headaches and hassles that come with owning a car, or simple maintenance you can plan for if you take the time to get to know your tires? We like to think it’s the latter. If you know when you’re going to need new tires, you can take the time to choose the right tires for your vehicle and get them installed when it’s convenient for you. Same for a wheel alignment—knowing when and under what circumstances you need a wheel alignment gives you the confidence to invest in one. As for a tire repair, being able to trust your auto repair shop is crucial for determining when a tire repair is a viable option. Read on for more tire tips.
Signs You Need New Tires
An easy way to test your tire’s tread wear only costs one cent. This is widely known as the penny test. In this case, a penny can buy you peace of mind when it comes to your tires and safety. Insert a penny head first into various tread grooves across the tire. If you always see the top of Lincoln’s head, your treads are shallow and worn. If this is the case, you will need new tires. If part of Lincoln’s head is always covered by the tread, chances are you have more than 2/32 of an inch of tread depth remaining. In this instance you probably don’t need new tires.
Out of Your Control
Some drivers are under the misconception that tire wear can cause misaligned wheels. But in fact, it’s quite the opposite—a car that’s out of alignment will cause uneven tire wear, which is why it’s so important to get a wheel alignment once or twice a year. If you’re getting new tires and it’s been a while since your last wheel alignment, the mounting of new tires can be an excellent opportunity to address alignment. Every vehicle has recommended wheel alignment specifications. These can—and should—be referenced when your new tires are installed to ensure your car is in alignment, and you’re going to get the most from your new tires—in years and performance.
Other Factors
If you need new tires, we can help you choose the right tires for your needs and budget. We’re also here for you if you need a tire repair, understanding that not every tire problem warrants new tires. Likewise, we’ll give you honest advice on whether it’s time for a wheel alignment, so you can help prolong the life of your current tires or get the most out of your new tires. Bottom line—you can trust us when it comes to tires.