How Can You Tell That Your Tires Need To Be Replaced?

The condition of your car’s tires is important for a number of reasons. First of all, good quality tires that are in good condition can significantly enhance your safety and the safety of others on the road. Also, you can improve your vehicle’s fuel economy and handling by having tires that are in proper driving condition. 

While many drivers ignore and neglect the state of their vehicle’s tires, some drivers simply do not know when to replace their old tires for new ones. Follow these tips to find out how to check your tires’ condition and when it is time to replace them.   

The Tire’s Tread Is Worn Down 

Your tire’s tread, or the rubber that creates friction between the tire and the road, is critically important for a number of reasons. The most obvious one is that it keeps you moving from point A to point B. Next, the tread on your tires helps you avoid hydroplaning on the road as the tire’s grooves channel water while driving over wet surfaces. 

In Canada, the legal minimum tire tread depth is 1.6 millimeters, while most new tires come with a tread depth of 8 to 9 milimetres. To determine if your tire’s tread is too low, take a quarter and place it in one of the grooves with the top of the Queen’s head pointing inwards towards the tire. If you find that the top of the Queen’s head is entirely visible, your tires are not safe for the road and need to be replaced. 

Visible Bubbles On The Side Of Your Tire

A number of factors can cause bubbles to appear on your tire. Driving over a pothole, running into a curb, or driving quickly over train tracks are common high-impact incidents that can cause bubbling to appear on your tires. Take these bubbles seriously as they are a sign that air is leaking into the outer layers of your tire and this can cause the tire to explode while you’re driving. Replace the tire immediately if you notice bubbles. 

Cuts Or Cracks In The Tire

Your tires simply degrade over time, even when they are not in use. You can tell that your tires have degraded by noticing cuts or cracks along the tire’s side and tread. Most common reasons for tire cracks are UV exposure, leaving your car in excessive heat, and by having your tires exposed to the weather elements for a long time. Pay attention to these cracks and replace your tires to prevent experiencing a tire blowout while on the road. 

A Foreign Object Is Lodged In Your Tire

If you discover a foreign object lodged in your tire, such as a nail or sharp piece of metal, you need to act immediately! Get your car into a service shop as soon as possible to get your tire repaired or replaced. 

The Steering Wheel Is Vibrating While You Drive

Sensing vibration in your steering wheel as you drive usually means that your tires’ tread has worn down unevenly. The best thing to do in this situation is to take your car to an automotive professional to make sure that the reason for the vibration is indeed the tire’s tread and not some other underlying problem. 

If you would like to know about our car insurance options and how these can best protect you while on the road, please contact us today and we will gladly help you out.