Paying close attention to your tires can give you an idea of when they are wearing out. When it’s time to buy a set of new tires, you should head to the Chevy dealer.
Signs You Need New Tires from the Chevy Dealer
Your Tires Are Too Old
Even if the tread on your tires looks fine, you should replace tires that are more than six years old. Rubber breaks down over time, making old tires more brittle and prone to failure. If you aren’t sure how old your tires are, check the sidewall. There should be a four-digit number that represents the date they were manufactured. The first two numbers will tell you which week of the year they were made, and the last two tell you the year.
Your Tread Has Worn Down
The most critical sign that your tires are worn out is the depth of your tread. A tread depth of 2/32 of an inch or less means that it’s time for a new set of tires. Measure whether your tread is too low with a penny. Slip it into the tread groove with Abraham Lincoln upside down. If you can see the top of his head, the tires need to be replaced.
You Can See Tread Wear Indicators
Newer tires have something called tread wear indicator bars. These flat rubber bars run perpendicular to the tread grooves and begin at the bottom of the tread. As your tires wear down, the tread wear indicators appear to rise to the top. Once these bars are even with the surface of your tires, it’s time to replace them.
You’ve Noticed Handling or Traction Changes
If your car isn’t handling or gripping the road the way that it used to, especially when things are wet, it could be a sign that your tires are worn down.
There are Bulges or Blisters on the Tire
Your tires shouldn’t have lumps or warty blisters on their surface. This kind of damage is caused by a weak spot in the tire that could easily fail, leading to a sudden blowout. Blistered tires should be replaced immediately for your safety.
Unusual Vibration While Driving
It’s normal for you to feel some vibration while driving. If you notice an increase in vibration, though, even when roads are smooth, there could be a problem with your tires.
Frequently Losing Tire Pressure
Healthy tires do gradually lose air pressure, so it’s normal to top them up a few times a year. If you find that you need to add air to your tires over and over, you probably have a leak.
Keep an eye on your tires so that you know when it’s time to replace them. Call Van Bortel Chevrolet in Macedon, NY, and schedule your next tire inspection today.
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