Not sure how to tell if your tires need to be replaced?

Tires are one of the most important parts of your car, but it is hard to tell if they need to be replaced or not before you get into an accident.

Most people don’t know how to tell when their tires are worn out and that can lead them into trouble. The last thing you want is a blowout on the highway.

Keep reading because this car tire replacement guide gives you tips and tricks for telling which tires have too much wear on them and what kind of tire replacements will work best for your needs.

1. Reading the Tread

Tires are made of many layers including steel belts, polyester cords, rubber treads, and rubber sidewalls. The thickness of these tires will determine, in part, how long you can drive on them safely.

If one or more layers are worn away it could spell trouble for your tires. Use the penny test to check the treads of your tires at home for wear and tear.

You should be able to see all of Abe Lincoln’s head when you insert a penny lengthwise into the grooves of your tire treads.

2 . Checking Tire Pressure

One quick way to tell if your tires are wearing faster than normal is to check the tire pressure. The correct PSI should be written on the inside of your car door or in the glove compartment.

If you notice that it is below this recommended level, fill up your tires with air at a nearby gas station or visit an automotive service center.

3 . Tires That Are Not Aligned Properly

If you feel bumps every time you drive after hitting a bump, then you may need to realign your tires. This can usually be done at a nearby service center for a small fee.

4 . Bald Spots

If you have bald spots on your tires, it is definitely time for a new set! Driving on bald spots will damage the tire beyond repair and can be very dangerous.

5 . Age

The general rule of thumb is that you should replace your tires every 6 years, whether they are showing signs of wear or not. This is because over time the rubber will deteriorate and lose its elasticity which will affect its ability to grip the road while driving.

6 . Cracks in Tires

If you see any cracks in your tire sidewalls, it is time to replace them. These cracks can quickly spread and become larger, making it unsafe to drive on your tires.

7 . Rusty Lug Nuts

If you have rusty lug nuts, it is time for a new set of car tires! Rusty lug nuts can cause your wheel to wobble while driving, making it very dangerous.

8 . Uneven Wear

If you are seeing uneven wear on your tires, it could be a sign that they need to be replaced. This could be due to a number of different reasons such as poor alignment or low air pressure.

How to Tell if Your Tires Need to Be Replaced

We hope you have enjoyed these care tire replacement tips and now have a better idea of how to tell if your tires need to be replaced. It’s a good idea to check your tires periodically, as they may need replacing if the tread is worn.

This can help you avoid getting into a vehicle accident or bursting a tire while dropping the kids to school. If you want help with this process or any other automotive needs, contact us today for more information on our services and products!

There are over 18,000 car crashes in the USA every day on average.

Some of these car accidents are thankfully relatively minor and mean that most people get to walk away with little more than a few dents in their car. However, many more are not so lucky.

If you are involved in a crash, it is essential that you know what to do just after the car accident to minimize your risk.

Read on to learn what steps you must follow after a car accident to stay safe.

Ensure Your and Your Passengers Safety

Before doing anything else after a car accident, ensure that you and your passengers are safe and uninjured. If this is the case, make sure everyone gets out of the car and away from the road. If you have high-vis jackets in your vehicle, make sure you and your passengers wear them.

Do not stay inside your car, especially if the collision is on the freeway. Broken-down vehicles can be hit by oncoming traffic, causing more significant damage and injuries.

However, if someone is injured with a suspected back injury, do not move them.  They may have unseen spinal damage that could worsen if the person moves. Keep them as immobile and safe as possible until the emergency services arrive.

Call 9-1-1 and Document The Accident

Once everyone is safe, you need to make sure you call 9-1-1 as this is a legal requirement for traffic accidents in many states. Take time to document your accident. Take photos of your car and any other vehicles involved.

Do not admit any degree of fault to the other drivers. This is a legal matter, and lawyers will sort out culpability later. Admitting anything now may weaken your legal position, so best to say nothing about the accident.

Also, do not reveal your insurance limits. Simply exchange information and await the emergency services.

Speak With Your Insurance

As soon as you are able, you should speak with your insurance company and explain the situation. Soon is better as accident investigators will get reports on the event with the freshest recollections of all involved, including the police.

If the accident was minor, you might also be able to schedule a damage inspection and repair at the same time. Insurance inspectors can often come to you if you suspect the car is no longer safe to drive.

Book For Repairs

Once the insurance has been informed and performed all necessary inspections to assess the damage, you can begin getting any damage repaired.

Speak to your local auto body repair professionals to get a quote to pass on to your insurance company for the repairs. They will advise you about what damage can be repaired and check to see if the car is safe and still road-worthy.

After an auto accident, it is a good idea to get a full car service to make sure there aren’t any hidden problems that, while hidden now, may reveal themselves at a later date.

Stay Safe After A Car Accident

Your main priority after a car accident is safety. If you are on a highway or busy road, you need to make sure that everyone is clear of the vehicles involved. For everything else, follow our car accident guide, and you should be able to get yourself back behind the wheel and on the road again in no time.

If you are looking for car repairs following an accident, please get in touch and find out how we can best help you get back on the road.