Good-quality tires provide you with the traction you need to safely brake and corner. Below are ways to tell when you need new tires from your Chevy dealer to ensure that you stay safe on the road.
When Should You Get New Tires for Your Chevy From Your Chevy Dealer?
Your Tires Are Old
Tires age, and over time, the rubber becomes brittle and cracks due to road conditions, extreme temperatures, and ultraviolet rays. When the rubber is old, it affects your car’s handling performance and your safety on the road.
Generally, tire manufacturers recommend a tire replacement after six to ten years, depending on the tire brand. Check the replacement specifications of the brand of tires mounted on your vehicle or speak to your Chevrolet technician to assist you.
You Can See the Wear Indicator Bars
The tread on tires is what gives it traction. As you drive, the rubber and the tread wear down and lose the ability to grip the road when braking, accelerating, and cornering. The wear indicators are flat rubber bars built into the tires, and as the tires wear down, the wear indicators become more visible.
As you drive and the treads begin to wear down, the bars become more visible. When tires are new, you can barely see the wear indicators, and when they become visible, it’s a warning that it’s time to replace the tire.
The Grooves Are Shallow
Check your tires thoroughly and if the treads look shallow, measure the tread depth with a tread depth gauge or perform the penny test. If you use a gauge and get a reading lower than 5.32 inches, the tires will not give you the necessary traction to brake and corner safely, especially on wet and slippery road surfaces.
If you get a reading below 2.32 inches, replace your tires. If you don’t have a tread depth gauge, use a penny. Insert Lincoln’s head into the grooves between the treads. If Lincoln’s head is visible, you need to replace your tires.
The Tires Are Worn Unevenly
The tires on your car don’t wear down at the same rate; because of the different functions the front and rear tires perform. If you notice uneven tread wear across all four tires or that the tread is wearing down faster on one side of a tire than on the other, it could be misalignment or incorrect tire pressure.
If the uneven wear is severe, ask your Chevrolet technician to inspect the tires to determine if you need to replace the set. To prevent uneven wear on a new set of tires, rotate the tires every time you take your vehicle for an oil change.
You See Cuts, Cracks, Blisters, and Bulges
Driving your vehicle with damaged tires is extremely unsafe. Check your tires regularly for damage such as cuts, cracks, blisters, and bulges on the sidewalls that create weak spots, increasing the risk of blowouts. The moment you notice any tire damage, the best cause of action is to replace the tires as soon as possible to ensure your safety.
Make a habit of regularly inspecting your tires and if you notice that the tires are worn or damaged, replace them as soon as possible. Visit Opequon Motors today, and our qualified Chevrolet technicians will take care of all your tire requirements.
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