If you’re not used to maintaining your tires, you might not realize how much wear and tear your tire goes through every time you drive. Damage from potholes, fast turns, and too many sudden stops can add up over time—which can be dangerous.

Use our guide to catch these 5 tire replacement signs and avoid serious injury on the road.

Looking to replace your tires? Shop our selection of quality used tires at great value!

When to Replace Tires

How often should you replace your tires? The bottom line is you should replace your tires every six years or if they show excessive wear. According to the National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration (NHTSA), defective tires cause 11,000 car accidents each year on average in the US. That’s about 700 deaths annually.

Get your tires inspected regularly to stay safe, and look out for these visual cues in between maintenance:

Tread Wear is Below 2/32 Inches

Proper tread depth is crucial for tire performance because it allows your tires to grip the road. Most states have a legal minimum tread depth of 2/32 inches. If your tread wears down to this level, your tires are no longer safe to use.

  • Penny Test – To see if your treads are deep enough, place a penny between the treads with Lincoln facing you. If you can see all of Lincoln’s head, then the tread depth is too shallow.

  • Tread Wear Indicator Bar – Some newer tires have built-in tread wear bars, which are perpendicular lines on your treads. As your tread wears down, you’ll be able to see the bars clearly, which indicates it’s time to change your tires.

Uneven Tread Wear

Uneven tread wear can be caused by misalignment, overloading, or improper inflation. If you notice that your tires are wearing unevenly, have them inspected by a qualified mechanic. Addressing the underlying issues can extend the life [LINK TO PREVIOUS BLOG] of your tires and improve overall safety.

Sidewall Damage

In addition to your tire treads, you should regularly inspect the sidewall for any visible damage. Cracks, bulges, and tears can compromise your tire’s structural integrity, making it unsafe to drive on. They could indicate leaks or be early signs of blowout. It’s best to replace the tire immediately to avoid risks while driving.

Flat Spots

Flat spots are flattened areas on your tire that can cause uneven driving. Most flat spots are temporary, occurring when a tire heats up while on the road and softens the rubber. Once parked, the tire flattens slightly where it touches the cool ground. Flattening will resolve itself once you drive to get the tire back to ideal temperatures.

However, semi-permanent flat spots are the result of driving on underinflated tires or overloading your vehicle for an extended period of time. The extent of the damage will depend on inflation, load, ambient temperature, and standing period (over a month). 

Driving on underinflated tires with flat spots is unsafe and can lead to premature wear. If you believe you have a semi-permanent flat spot, get an inspection and consider a tire replacement.

Older Than 6 Years

Regardless of tread depth and visible signs of damage, tires have a lifespan of about 6 years. Rubber tires can deteriorate over time, and you won’t be able to gauge a tire’s internal structure easily. This also applies to old unused tires, depending on how they’re stored.

When purchasing used tires, make sure the manufacturing date is within the recommended age limit.

How to Replace a Tire

If you see extensive signs of treadwear, uneven treadwear, or visible damage and alterations to your tire, then you know it’s time for a tire replacement. Consult your vehicle manual for step-by-step instructions. You can also follow along with video tutorials. We like this tutorial from the YouTube channel Dad, how do I?

https://youtu.be/0KDMdYww4VE?si=ZQmbZ-Wu4YpC9QO6

Of course, replacing your own tires at home can be tough if you don’t have the right tools. It’s best to find a reputable tire shop that offers tire installation services. Contact our shop today for all your tire service needs!