When to Replace Tires

Most of us use our vehicles regularly and are quite particular about routine maintenance. While maintenance is very important for the efficient functioning and longer life of the vehicle, there is one area, which most of us tend to forget, replacement of tires. Most tires come with a warranty for a stipulated period and the expiry of warranty period does not mean that you have to replace those tires. So, vehicle owners continue using those tires, assuming that they are in good condition, until they encounter a flat tire, a blown tire or any such incident. Apart from spoiling your trip, such incidents may also cause physical harm. Periodic inspection of the tires can help you to avoid such occurrences.

How do You Know When to Replace Tires

We all know that replacing worn out old tires is very important for the performance of the vehicle, as well as for our safety. After the expiry of the warranty period, regular inspection of the tires is necessary. (In fact, it is not necessary to wait for the warranty period to expire, for checking tires). There are so many ways to identify a tire, which has to be replaced.

Inspection of Wear Indicators

One of the best ways to determine when to replace tires is by inspecting for signs of wear and tear or wear indicators. Most tires have built-in wear indicators, which may not be visible on new tires. As the tire gets worn out, these treads made of hard rubber become visible. As per law, the wear indicators appear on the tire, as the treads get worn down to 1/16th of an inch from the surface of the tire. This is the specified tread depth to replace tires. If you find these wear indicators in two to three different parts of the tire, then it is time to replace the tire. These wear indicators must appear at different parts, which are less than 120 degrees apart on the circumference of the tire. This is how we can interpret wear indicators to determine when to replace tire.

Penny Test for Measuring Tread Depth

This is one of the easiest methods, which can be applied to find out when to replace tires. All you need is an U.S. penny, which has to be placed in between the treads on your tire. The penny must be placed in such a way, that the top of the President Lincoln's head on the penny must fit into the tread. You have to check whether the head part is covered by treads. Even if a small part of the head is covered, you can use the tire for some more time. If not, it's time for replacing tires. This test has to be performed every twelve inches along the circumference of the tire. You have to make three rounds, as the outer, middle and inner treads have to be tested. If the tread depth is the same throughout the circumference, then, you have to replace the tire. If the problem is located in a particular region only, then, wheel alignment should be done and tire replacement is not needed.

Other Factors

The above said methods are some of the common and simple methods to find out the wear and tear of tires, which can help you in deciding when to replace tires. There are various other factors, which are indicators of tire replacement. If the tires have cracks and breaks, through which, the inner steel threads are seen, then replacement is needed. If the sidewall of the tire have bulges, bubble, slits and holes, then also, you have to check for wear and tear. If the required air pressure of the tire is not maintained, it can be a sign of air leakage and continuous air leakage is another sign that point towards replacement of tires. You may also check the time of expiry of the tire, which is deemed to be 10 years from the date of manufacture. As most of us do not use tires for ten years, this point is not that important. However, try to check the date of manufacture, which is encoded on the side of the tire. Go for new ones, instead of the old (not used) ones.

In short, you have to spare some time to inspect tires for the above said signs, that can help you in determining when to replace tires.