When Is It Time To Get New Tires?
If you're like most people, you aren't exactly sure when it is time to get new tires. You may have heard numerous tips and tricks over the years of how to determine when tires need replacing, but when you are going to spend the large amount of money it costs to replace them, you'll want to be certain that it is a necessity.
One age old way to determine this is the penny test. If you place a penny inside of a tire groove upside down and you can see Lincoln's hair - it's time to get new tires. MSN Auto says this is because older tires have lost the tread that is required for safe driving. The tread in newer tires is enough to pass the penny test and keep your from hydroplaning on wet roads. However, if you want to be absolute certain whether your tread is worn down, you can purchase a tread depth gauge from an auto store.
Auto care supplier, Firestone, suggests that you contact your car's manufacturer to find out what the recommended time is that you replace the tires. Even if your tires pass a tread test, your may need a tire change more frequently depending on its make. No matter what make of car you have however, Firestone says that the average time car tires last is 10 years.
Your tires may also need to be replaced if they are over or underinflated. Overinflated tires may have contributed to the tread being worn away quickly and underinflated tires can also cause tread damage and boost your fuel consumption by 10 percent, explains ABC News.
Finally, check your tires for general damage and wear. Look for cracks or discoloration in the tire as your tires may have been worn from driving on sand, salt water or even regular use.
