How to Tell if You Need New Tires (quick way to check)

Your tires are an essential component of your vehicle. When they’re in good working order, you can enjoy a safe and smooth ride on the highway or in town. Over time, tires get worn down and need to be replaced. So, let’s take a look at how to tell if you need new tires. And if your tires do need to be replaced, here’s a list of sites where you can get a great deal online.

As a driver, you need to know how to tell that your tires need to be replaced. It’s an essential part of road safety.

First, we’ll take a quick look at the three key takeaways of this article. After that, we’ll take a deep dive into evaluating your tires.

Let’s get into it!

How to Tell It’s Time for New Tires?

There are several different potential signs of aging tires. As you examine your tires, check carefully for any cracks, gouges, or bulges. Then, look to see if the tread seems worn out. You should also evaluate whether the tire pressure struggles to stay where it should be.

If the vehicle tends to shake often, it may be time to change your tires. And finally, drivers should also look for cracks that appear on the sidewall, and blisters and bulges in the tires, too.

These are all signs that your tires are old and need to be replaced.

Bulges, Cracks, and Gouges

When your tire starts to deflate, you may notice that it has a bulge at the side.

This is a sign that your tire has a slow air leak or it struggles to maintain the correct tire pressure. Both of these things are signs that your tire is too old.

If you look at the sidewall of the tire and see some cracks, as well as gouges or anything else that looks a little off on the tire, you need to have them checked out and be ready to replace it.

Tread Wear

One of the first signs that a vehicle owner will notice when it is time to replace their tires is to check the tread. And the best way to do this is with the tire penny test.

With this test, you’ll place a regular penny into the tread of the tire, making sure that the head of Lincoln is pointing down.

If you are still able to see the top of the head, this points to a sign that the tread is very low and you need to replace it.

In modern tires, you’ll notice some wear bars. These are bits of rubber that are added into the pattern of the tire to show the specific depth.

If you notice that the tread is worn down close to the wear bar, it’s definitely time for you to replace the tire.

Tire Pressure

If you drive around on a tire that is underinflated or overinflated, it generates more heat on the tires. This extra heat will make the tires wear out faster.

Another thing to check out is the tire pressure. Tires are going to deflate at a rate of one PSI each month.

This means that you need to check on them every few months to see what the PSI is. You will not wear down the tires in just one month of driving on them, but it is still something that you should regularly check.

The right inflation pressure will help your tires last a lot longer than they would otherwise.

Changes in Temperature

Tire pressure is going to drop down when it gets cold in the winter.

You’ll need to check your tires throughout the winter to make sure that they stay properly inflated. Make sure you don’t end up with an underinflated tire that won’t keep you safe and that will wear out faster.

Tires tend to wear down the most in the heat of summer. In those months, there can be excessive build-up in the tires.

Make sure to check out your tires before heading out on that fun road trip during the summer.

If you have an underinflated tire, it often generates more heat in the process and can wear it out faster.

Vibration When Driving

As you drive down the road, watch out for some thumping or vibration. If it feels like that vibration is coming from under the seat, this is a sign that the tires in the back are now out of balance.

Do you notice the vibration from the steering wheel area? This is probably more of an issue with your suspension.

If you don’t have a smooth ride on the road, this is a potential sign that something is wrong with the tires.

This can happen when the treads are getting worn out or something else is wrong with those tires. Take the vehicle to your dealer or auto service shop to make sure that you’re safe.

Cracks in the Sidewall

While looking at the tread of the tire will give you a better idea of whether they are wearing out or not, you may notice that there can be problems in the tire that have nothing to do with the tread.

You may find some problems appearing in the sidewall. The good news here is that you can easily complete a visual check of the sidewall problems.

To start this, look for any cuts or tracks in the sidewall. These should be grooves that are big enough that you can easily see them on your own.

This is often a sign that the tire is starting to develop a leak or that it is about to blow out on you. This is something the vehicle owner will want to avoid.

If you take a look at the sidewall of the tire and notice some serious cracks, it is time to take the vehicle in. And be prepared to get the tires with those cracks replaced as soon as possible.

Blisters and Bulges on the Tire

It is possible for the outside of the tire to weaken a bit. The result will be a blister or a bulge that will extend out from the rest of the tire surface at some point.

This is a weak spot that, if not handled properly, is going to be enough to blow out the tire suddenly.

If you notice it at all, you need to take it into an auto service center to get a replacement before you’re in a serious accident.

Why Should I Worry About the Tread?

The main way that you can tell your tires are getting older and need a replacement is in the tread. When your treads are worn out, the car will not respond well, especially in rain and snow.

You will lose some of the grip that your vehicle needs while on the road. Some of the potential problem areas that you need to look for on your tires include.

Excessive Wear on the Center of the Tire

f you have excessive wear on the center of the tire, this means it is over-inflated.

Excessive Wear on the Tire Shoulders

If you have excessive wear on the shoulders, this means that the tire is underinflated.

Uneven Amounts of Tread Wear

If there is uneven amounts of tread wear, this shows poor wheel alignment.

Excessive Wear On One Side

If there is excessive wear on one of the sides, it shows that there is an incorrect camber angle.

Knobby Outsides of the Tire

If the treads on the outside of the tire become knobby, this means the toe-in value is off.

No matter the signs of problems with the tread, you need to take it to the professionals to get the tires replaced and take care of your vehicle.

Does the Age of My Tires Matter?

The age of your tires will matter when it comes to replacing your tires. No matter the tread wear or how much you use your tires, many manufacturers recommend that you replace the tires once they are six years old.

Some tires can make it for 10 years, but after that amount of time, the tires wear down and will not work as well as before.

You can look at the recommendations from the manufacturer for your specific tires to see how long they should last.

But if your tires are more than six years old, it may be time to consider replacing them to make sure that you are safe on the road.

Final Thoughts: How to Tell If You Need New Tires

It is important to make sure your tires are in good shape before you go out on the road. When the tires are new and in good working order, you can have a safer and smoother ride on the road.

Take a look at some of the signs above that your tires are getting older and then get them replaced as soon as possible to make sure that you’re always safe on the road.