Tires are one of the most critical safety components on your vehicle. The rubber that meets the road affects traction, handling, steering, and braking. But over time and many miles traveled, tires wear down and their performance degrades. This makes it crucial to monitor your tire tread and know when it's time for a replacement set. For drivers in the Springfield area, understanding the signs of failing tires is key to staying safe on the roads.
Risks of Driving on Worn Out Tires
Tires with minimal tread depth provide far less traction, especially in wet conditions which are common in Cincinnati. Hydroplaning, where the tires lose contact with the pavement and the vehicle slides uncontrollably, is much more likely to occur when tires are balding or excessively worn. Insufficient tread can also lead to imprecise handling, longer braking distances, and even sudden tire blowouts that could cause an accident.
If you frequently drive on the highway between major Ohio cities like Columbus and Dayton, the high speeds make having healthy tires even more critical for the safety of you and your passengers. Imagine a front tire blowing out at 70 mph - the results could be catastrophic. Don't take that risk by driving on tires past their prime.
Signs It's Time to Replace Tires
So how can you tell when your tires should be replaced? One simple test is to check the tread depth using a penny. Insert a penny into the tire tread with Lincoln's head upside down. If you can see the top of his head, that means your tires have less than 2/32" of tread remaining and should be replaced immediately.
You may also notice the tire tread wear indicator bars that run perpendicular to the direction of the tread. As the tires wear down, these bars will begin to show through the tread. If you can see the wear bars, your tires have no more than 1.6mm of tread left and need to be replaced.
For those in the Beavercreek area and beyond, doing a visual inspection of your tires at least once a month is recommended. Check for uneven or irregular wear patterns, bulges or blisters on the sidewalls, or any cracking in the rubber. These are all indicators that your tires are wearing out and need attention soon.
Invest in New Tires at the Right Time
As a general rule, most tires should be replaced every 6 years regardless of tread wear. Rubber degrades over time due to exposure to heat, sunlight, and the elements. But if you drive frequently, you'll likely need new tires before that time.
Visit our service center for a free tire inspection to see if your tires need replacing. Our experts at Jeff Wyler Springfield Chevrolet can assess the health of your tires and let you know if it's time to invest in a new set. Don't wait until it's too late - schedule your tire check today to drive more safely on the roads of Ohio and beyond.