Your car is your baby and could use some TLC.
Let’s face it—most of us love caring for our cars. We take pride in fixing them ourselves and not relying on a mechanic if possible.
But what else do you need to know when you think about your car’s health? One vital component is the wheels. You want to avoid flats and do all you can to prevent a tire blowout. Know the warning signs for when you need to replace your car’s tires to keep your baby in working order.
Check Your Air Pressure
Before all else, get in the habit of checking your tire pressure with a tire gauge. This easy step will save you a headache down the road. Low tire pressure can indicate a possible leak. Patching up your tire will be easier than replacing it with a new one. Portable air compressors work great for getting your tire pressure back to where it needs to be.
Don’t Only Rely on the Tire Pressure Light
Most newer cars have a tire pressure light. This warning shows up on your dashboard. While this can be helpful, you shouldn’t rely solely on it to indicate tire health. Perform your own routine checks.
Notice Any Weird Vibes
Consider inspecting your tires if you’re picking up any weird vibrations. A shaky ride can point to possible issues. While this can mean you need new tires, it can also point to problems with the vehicle’s alignment or suspension. You might want a second opinion from a mechanic on this one.
Check for Low Tire Tread
The tire tread is the rubber that surrounds the outside of your car’s tire. It kisses the asphalt each time you hit the road. If anything looks off, we recommend the tried-and-true penny test.
Put a penny into the tire’s groove and have Lincoln be oriented upside down. You have a problem if the top of his head is still visible. This test shows when the tread’s too low and tells you if it’s time for some new wheels.
Bigger Isn’t Always Better
Pay attention to the size of your tires when you change them to ensure they fit in your wheel well. You will have different needs depending on what kind of car you have. SUVs and off-roading vehicles will have different tire needs than a sedan. If you plan to go with tires that are different from what your car originally came with, a little research goes a long way.
Look for Wear and Tear
Wear and tear comes in a few different forms on your tires. Be mindful of any cracks or uneven tread on your tires. Cracks left untreated can result in a tire blowout, and uneven wear means poor traction. Get new tires as soon as possible if you have this issue.
Now you know the warning signs for when you need to replace your tires. Do your best to stay up to date on your car’s health to keep things running smoothly.