If your car has been on the road long enough, you may wonder whether it’s time to change the tires. Of course, if you have a flat tire or a blowout, you should certainly change the tire. However, two other factors that can help you determine when you need to replace the tires are the manufacture date and tread depth.
Tire Tread: If the tread is worn down, the tires could lose traction when you brake. If you are driving in inclement weather conditions, you won’t have a great grip if the tread of your tires is worn out. Even if it looks like there is plenty of tread left, you may want to replace your tires from time to time since the rubber may be likely to crack. Given that the best way to check the tread is by measuring its depth from time to time, it’s a good idea to get your hands on a pair of gloves. Also, before you kneel beside your car to check the depth of the tread, ensure that it is parked in a safe spot, with adequate lighting.
Age of the Tires: How often the tread wears out is essentially dependent on your driving habits, which means the more you drive your car, the faster the tread will wear down. In addition, road conditions and weather also play a role in how long the tread will last. That said, you should also take the age of the tires into consideration. Auto experts suggest replacing tires at least once every 6 years, even if it looks like the tires are in great shape.
You can tell how old the tires are by checking the four-digit code on your tire wall. The first two numbers indicate the week in which it was made and the last two numbers indicate the year. For instance, if the number reads 2211, it was manufactured in the 22nd week of the year 2011.
Don’t Delay Getting New Tires: A brand new set of tires can be expensive – we know. But, you shouldn’t put off replacing them for the sake of your own safety. New tires can also improve your car’s fuel economy and make your ride a lot more comfortable.