Your brand new or used car might be in solid condition for the first few years, but when your tires endure the impacts of a rough highway, changing them should be a priority. Tires will inevitably wear over time, so before you're thrown into a hazardous situation, it's essential to know how to determine whether your tires need to be replaced. In any case, you must replace your tires before something goes wrong, not after the fact.

To maintain the safety and performance standards you need your tires to meet, regular maintenance checks can help ensure you get the tire replacements you need before you reach your tire's failure point while on the road. At Piazza Subaru, the leading car dealership in Berks County, driver safety is our primary concern. Before you jump into the winter season with worn-out tires, let's review six issues that might indicate it's time to replace your tires.

Vibration

Have you noticed your car shaking or vibrating when you hit 40-50 mph? While some vibration is common on bumpy roads, you're typically aware of just how much shaking is typical for your car. Consistently progressive shakes can be the result of unbalanced or misaligned tires.

If your tires are not the issue, these energetic vibrations can, unfortunately, damage your wheels. If you notice your car is vibrating more than usual, it's recommended to check your tires, as they may be affected. For your safety, your passengers, and the safety of other drivers, make sure your tires are properly balanced.

Tire Age

The age of your tires plays a vital role in when you should change them out. With the long-term wear and tear on your tires, the longer you've had them, the more likely you are to need to change them out sooner than later. If you know you brought your car within the last few years but haven't needed to change your tires, consider bringing it in to get yours checked and potentially replaced.

Overall Mileage

While the age of your tires is a significant factor in determining when you should replace your tires, the amount of miles you have on them plays as much of a role in that process. As you put more miles on your car and tires, you put them through additional wear and tear. The more often you are on the road, the faster your tires will wear down and the quicker you will have to get replacements.

Tread Depth


 

When it comes to car maintenance, tread depth is often overlooked. The best way to maximize performance and safety is to check your tire's tread depth to ensure they are in good condition. A tire tread that is 1/16th of an inch or less is a clear indicator that it's time to change your tires.

When you check your tire tread, there are certain signs and tests you can do at a glance to know it's time for a change. You can either use the "penny test" or a tread depth gauge to inspect your tires. If the tread on your tires is too worn out, they won't stand against harsh weather conditions, such as rain. Tires that are worn out will lose their grip, are more likely to hydroplane, and become vulnerable to further damage. 

Tire Inflation Levels

To make the most of your car's maneuverability no matter the driving conditions, properly inflated tires help you handle any road conditions thrown your way. Underinflated tires make it more difficult for drivers to take curves, sharp turns, and the other sudden movements that come with driving. While reinflating your tire to the proper levels can make a world of difference in most cases, if your tires continue to deflate, it's time for replacements.

Cracks on The Side Wall

Similar to rubber bands, tires also get worn out and brittle over time. When you stretch an old rubber band, you'll notice minor cracks throughout. The same goes for tires, except you don't have to pull it to see cracks along the sidewall. With age, excessive heat, and sun exposure, it's not uncommon for tires to begin cracking. It's essential, however, to replace your tires as soon as you notice these cracks to prevent further tire wear. 

At Piazza Subaru, we are committed to providing continued quality care to all of our customers. By offering an extensive inventory of new models, such as the Subaru WRX, customers have endless options to choose from. If you are interested in one of our inventory's new or used vehicle models, give us a call today!