Five Things To Inspect On Your Tires

Your vehicle is only as safe as your tires. Tires that have damage pose a risk of going flat at an inopportune time, or worse, causing a blowout and a possible accident. Take a few minutes to inspect your tires each time you fill-up the gas tank and you should catch most problems before you get a flat.

1. Tire Pressure

Printed on the side of your tires should be a two-digit PSI number. This is the pressure to which you should fill your tires with air. Invest in an inexpensive tire pressure gauge and check the tire pressure at least once a month. If the pressure is too low, add some air. Monitor the low tires closely for a week or two to make sure they aren't suffering from a slow leak. If they keep needing air, you may need to have them leak tested patched by a tire shop.

2. Tread Depth

Tires need to be replaced when the tread depth is worn off to a dangerously low point. Tread loss increases the chances of a flat, while also resulting in a higher likelihood of sliding on wet or icy roads. A simple way to check depth is to insert a US penny head first into the tread. As long as the tread comes up to or surpasses the top of Lincoln's head, the tires are fine to continue using.

3. Sidewall Health

A dangerous blowout occurs when the sidewalls of the tire fail. Damage, such as repeatedly hitting a curb, is one reason why a sidewall may fail. If you see cracks or if the sidewall appears to be bulging, then the tire is no longer safe to drive on. Sidewall damage can't be repaired, so you will need to purchase new tires.

4. Wear Pattern

How a tire wears down its tread is also important. Uneven tread wear can make a car difficult to control, particularly at high speeds. Uneven wear is usually the result of poor alignment or balancing, although other issues like a bent frame or axle can also lead to uneven wear. If the tread is lower on one of a single tire than on the other, the tire needs to be replaced and the root cause must be repaired.

5. Age

Tires do have an expiration date, as eventually the rubber begins to dry out and becomes more prone to leaks and blowouts. Most tires have mileage printed on them, right next to the PSI number, and you need to replace them if you have driven or surpassed that mileage number on the tires. In general, tires last about five or six years, so any older tires will need to be replaced.

Contact a local tire shop if you notice any problems with your tires.