9 Signs It's Time to Replace Your Tires

The average tire lasts anywhere from four to five years or up to about 60,000 miles of driving — so if you hang onto a vehicle for long enough, chances are you're going to have to purchase a new set of tires at some point in your vehicle ownership.

But how do you know whether you need new tires beyond the general guidelines we just mentioned? There are various signs that you should be on the lookout for when it comes to your tires to ensure they remain in good shape and you're driving as safely as possible on the road.

In this post, we'll discuss the common signs that you need new tires. Read on to learn more or contact your neighborhood GreatWater-affiliated shop today to schedule an appointment:

9 Signs That You Should Change Your Tires

1. Worn-Out Tread: Time for New Tires

If your tire tread is significantly worn, it's time to replace your tires. According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, drivers should replace their tires when the tread depth reaches 2/32 of an inch. Tires with inadequate tread depth pose a major safety hazard for drivers. If the tread is too worn, your tires won't grip the road well, which can impact handling and stopping distance.

It's easy to determine whether your tread wear is adequate with the penny test. Just take a penny and stick the coin Abraham Lincoln head-down into the tread. If you can see all of Lincoln's head, your tread is worn to the point where it's time to purchase new tires.

2. Uneven Tire Wear: A Sign of Trouble

Uneven tire wear can stem from various issues related to your tires. These may include improper inflation, suspension issues, alignment issues, and improper tire balancing. If you're experiencing uneven tire tread wear and you're routinely rotating your tires, schedule an appointment to have your vehicle inspected so you can get to the bottom of any other underlying issues that may be causing your tire problems.

3. Cracks in the Sidewall: When Your Tires Show Their Age

Another way how to tell if your tire is bad is to look for cracks in the sidewall. Any cracks or damage to the sidewall can impact the tire's structural integrity and lead to a greater risk of a blowout. Cracks in the sidewall are often indicative of older tires that have deteriorated to a state of being unsafe.

4. Bulges and Blisters: The Bumps You Shouldn’t Ignore

Cracks aren't the only thing you should be looking for on the sidewalls of your tires. Bulges and blisters are also tire deformities that indicate there are structural issues with the tire. Bulges and blisters are typically the result of internal damage that's caused by hitting potholes or coming into contact with curbs. Similar to cracks in the sidewall, their presence increases the likelihood of a tire blowout.

5. Excessive Vibration: More Than Just a Bumpy Ride

If you're experiencing excessive vibration when you drive, your tires could be the culprit. In some cases, balancing your tires may be able to resolve the issues. In other cases, your tires may be irregularly worn and require replacement.

6. Frequent Air Pressure Loss: Tires That Won’t Stay Inflated

Another telltale sign of good tires vs bad tires is whether tires retain their air pressure. Some drop in air pressure is normal with tires, especially in the cold weather. In fact, it's estimated that for every 10-degree (Fahrenheit) drop in temperature, your tires could lose up to 2 psi of pressure. But if your tires simply just can't hold air pressure and you're seemingly always having to inflate them, it's a sign of a problem.

7. Visible Tire Cords: When the Inner Workings Are Exposed

Tire cords are the part of the tire underneath the rubber. Their main purpose is to provide additional stability to the tire and help the tire maintain its round shape. If you're spotting the tire cords, you should stop driving on those tires immediately and get to your local auto service center to purchase new tires. Driving on tire cords essentially means that all the tread has been worn off the tire. Not only is your vehicle's performance impacted, but the likelihood of a blowout is high.

8. Age Matters: Old Tires Aren’t Safe Tires

All tires have a shelf life — regardless of what the tread is. Even if your tire tread is above the 2/32 of an inch depth, you should replace your tires with new ones after you've driven on your current tires for six years. That's because six years tends to be the age where the rubber compound in tires deteriorates. Deterioration is due to a variety of factors, such as exposure to various temperatures and UV rays, wear and tear in various driving conditions, and more.

It's easy to check the date of your tires. Just look for the code on the sidewall of your tires — the last four digits represent the week and the year that they were manufactured.

9. Reduced Traction: Slipping and Sliding on the Road

If you feel your vehicle slipping and sliding on the road, it's a good bet that the tread has been worn to an unsafe level. Adequate tire tread helps with turning, acceleration, and braking. It helps with shock absorption. And it also helps grip the road properly. Too little tire tread and your handling is going to be impacted, jeopardizing your safety on the road.

Don’t Wait Until It’s Too Late—Get Your Tires Checked Today!

As a network of full-service auto repair and maintenance centers, your neighborhood GreatWater-affiliated shop is here for your new tire needs. We'll help you choose the right tires for your vehicle and also discuss other options that might make sense, such as snow tires. Contact your local shop for more information and to schedule a service appointment.