How Often Should I Replace My Tires?
Whether or not you maintain your vehicles tires, there will come a time when they simply need to be replaced. One thing that many people may not be aware of, is that tires that are not even being used, will need to be replaced if they have been stored for too long. Just because the vintage wheels of your Grandfather’s Model “T” may not have hit the road for a number of years, does not mean that the tires may not need to be changed. If a tire is stored for a long time, the rubber and the other components just begin to break down.
Environmental conditions play a huge role, as tires stored in dry, hot climates will break down at an even faster rate. Nitto tires are some of the highest rated tires in the industry as far as quality is concerned, but if they are not used within ten years of the date of manufacture–if any tire is not used within that time period, they will most likely not be safe to use. Now, for tires that are used on a regular basis, it is a great idea to inspect them regularly.
Even if you have them regularly rotated and balanced, be sure to take the time to look over the tread and to check for miscellaneous damage. The tread should not get below 1/16th of an inch. You can either measure this with a ruler or use the simple “penny test” to get a good idea if your tread is still in fine shape. Once the tread is worn, they must be replaced. Some tires have “wear indicators” built into. These are great as you simply look at them, they will be the smoother strips of rubber running perpendicular to the tire face. When they are gone…time to buy new tires.
Tire tread will wear based on how much you drive your vehicle, the kind of terrain you are driving on regularly and the environmental conditions in which you live. Obviously, you will not get as many miles out of the tires if you are constantly driving on rough or rocky terrain. And tires that are exposed to extreme temperature differences will wear and need to be replaced more often as well. When it is time to buy new tires, find a discount tire company or check online for deals, because this is one car “fix it” that should never be put off until later.
Related posts:
- What to Look for When Buying Car Tires
- Knowing When to Have Your Tires Professionally Inspected
- Avoiding Inconvenience with Proper Tire Care
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