Buying tires is a maintenance procedure that should be performed every few years. Depending on the quality of tires you have, the way you drive and how much you drive, your time between tire changes will be different. Rotating and balancing tires every 25,000 miles will help slow the wearing process. Tread depth and other factors will indicate when your tires need to be replaced as well.

Losing Tire Pressure

If your tires are losing air and tire pressure quickly, it is probably time to replace your tires. You can measure them by purchasing a tire pressure gauge from your local automotive parts store. Gas stations with air machines will usually have tire pressure gauges attached to their pumps. A major leak may indicate a crack or a hole that cannot be fixed. If this is the case, you may be able to get away with just replacing the tire with the leak or crack.

Tire Tread Wear System

Your tire's treads will give you plentiful information about whether or not they need to be replaced. Most tires come with a tire tread wear indication system that will expose solid rubber bars when the tread is worn down too much. Worn tire treads can also be referred to as bald. Without the tread, the tire cannot grip the road, or provide any cushion between the wheel and the ground. When the bars are exposed, replace your tires immediately.

Tire Tread Measurement

Tire treads can also be measured to qualify them for replacement. Tire tread measurement tools can be purchased at your local automotive parts store, or you can perform this test with a penny. If the tire tread is 1/16 of an inch deep or less, replace your tires immediately. If you are concerned about rain or snow, replace the tires at 1/8 of an inch or less. According to Goodyear tires, you can stand a penny in a tread groove with Lincoln's head upside down and facing you. If you can see the top of Lincoln's head, it's time get your tires replaced.

Source:

Goodyear Tires

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