subject: Performing A Tire Inspection And Buying New Tires [print this page] Each year, you drive thousands of miles on the same tires. Some drivers put as much as 20,000 miles on a vehicle in a single year. Even after all that distance, many people neglect to look at their tires for longer than it takes to check the PSI. Tires don't require much attention, but they should receive some every once in a while to ensure that they are up to form, for safety reasons as much as for performance.
What to Look For in a Tire Inspection
Tire inspections don't require a professional eye. Even an untrained person can see the difference between a tire with tread, and a tire without. The first thing you should look for when inspecting a tire is quality and quantity of tread. If your tire is nearly bald, or fully smooth, it is more than likely that you will experience sliding in bad weather, or on roads covered in dirt. If you are uncertain as to whether or not your tire has enough tread even by looking, try running your hand over it. If your tire feels slick, or there aren't any ridges deep enough to fit the tip of a finger in, then you should look into buying new tires. Also, if there are any cracks in your tire, you may want to consider replacing it, as these can easily lead to blowouts.
Buying New Tires, and Wheel Alignments
If your tire inspection revealed that your tires were bald, or had cracks in them, and you are looking for a new set of tires, there are a few things to consider. Firstly, what type of conditions will you be driving in? While winter only comes once a year, if you live in an area with extreme weather during this time, getting snow tires may be a good choice for you. If you aren't going to experience winter for quite some time, but still want to be safe during the season when it comes, you should consider all-season tires. All-season tires have less tread than snow tires, but they have more tread than average tires. This allows them to perform well throughout the year. When you go to your local auto shop, ask about the differences between each type of tire, and which kind they recommend for your area. When the shop changes your tires to the kind you have chosen, ask if they will do a tire alignment. Most shops will align the tires for free when you buy a set.
Performing Tire Inspections Annually
You should perform a tire inspection once a year at the very least. Consider getting a tire alignment if you notice strange wear patterns on your wheels. This is an indication that your wheels are coming unaligned, and it should not be ignored. When wheels become too far unaligned, there is a risk of damage to the axel, as well as to the breaks. If you aren't certain whether or not the wear pattern on your wheels is abnormal, consult an auto shop. Most likely, they will take a look at your wheels for free, and let you know if there is any significant alignment problem.
