Irrespective of the type of vehicle you own, tires are among the most essential parts of your vehicle since they are the only source of contact with the ground. Due to daily usage, the passenger tires of your vehicle could get weary, which might lead to compromising the grip, blowouts, and difficulty in handling. Not only is this, but uneven wheel alignments may also lead to the vehicle maintaining the balance harder than usual. While replacing the tires could be the most common solution to this problem, many vehicle owners end up with the question, “When to replace the tires?” The answer lies in various factors.
When should you replace your tires?
Unlike other products, tires do not have a strict replacement schedule. Their longevity, however, depends on three major determinants: wear, age, and mileage.
Wear: when it comes to tires, it is impossible to prevent them from friction, since they are always in contact with the ground. It is inevitable for them to wear off eventually, which is why manufacturers have started to add a tread-wear indicator to the tires that shows when it is time to replace them. This indicator is commonly known as ‘wear bars,’ which are basically strips of rubber that are manufactured into the tread. If you notice more than three worn bars, it would be best to replace the tires immediately.
Age: Most leading tire manufacturers often suggest replacing the tires once they have been operating for more than six years. This is still applicable even if you haven’t reached the mileage limit. The lifespan of the tires could still be affected by the exposure to sunlight, chemicals, and pollution. Make sure you change the existing tires if they have crossed the recommended operational years despite not reaching the mileage limit.
Mileage
According to most manufacturers, the recommended mileage for a tire ranges from around 25000 to 80000 miles. However, this suggestion vastly depends on the type of tire. If they are performance-oriented, you would need to replace them even before reaching the suggested mileage limit. Performance tires comparatively tend to wear out faster since they are softer in order to provide better grip.
Now that we have looked into the major factors that indicate a tire replacement for your vehicle, there are certain tips you might want to follow to make the process easier for you.
- Check the tire pressure regularly
On average, a tire can lose up to 1 pound/square inch (PSI) of air on a monthly basis. In colder climates, this can even increase; which is why it is an absolute must to check the pressure of your tires every month. Inflated tires not only lead to accidental crashes but also reduce gas mileage and vehicle handling along with premature tread wear and even blowouts. Checking the tire pressure regularly can also help in increasing the overall lifespan of the tires. You can also go by the user manual to find the right pressure for your tires.
- Refrain from installing mismatched tires
Installing mismatched tires can affect the handling of your car and might cause unusual wear. This can even have a negative impact on the rest of the tires. Not only is it critical to install the right tires for your car’s performance, but you should also install the new ones in front. Installing new tires on the rear, on the other hand, will benefit the handling under wet road conditions.
- Don’t wait until the tires are completely worn out
Tires are usually an expensive investment that ensures utmost safety along with performance. However, because of how expensive the tires are, driving the tires past their capability will increase the risks associated with them. You can take the benefit of the wear bars that are placed between the treads to determine if it is the right time to replace them or not.
Another tip to check the tire tread is by conducting the penny test. Simply place a penny in the tread where Lincoln’s head directs downwards. If the head shows completely, you need to change the tires. If you can still notice above 2/32″, the tires are still in good condition.
- Make sure not to overload the vehicle
Overloading a vehicle might also result in tire breakdown. Despite the fact that the tires do not blow, the car’s handling can be significantly affected. The sticker on your door frame contains information on how much load your vehicle can safely handle.
- Do regular inspection
Whenever you are washing your car or checking the tire pressure, make sure to conduct a thorough inspection of the tire as well. You might want to look for bulges, cracks, or pointy objects that might have punctured the tires. Try contacting an expert when you experience this kind of scenario to replace the tires without a hassle.