How do I know if my tires are in good condition?

Car tires have a certain lifespan. The vehicle must always have tires suitable for normal driving conditions. Many people living in colder climates have two sets of tires - one for winter and one for the rest...

Car tires have a certain lifespan. The vehicle must always have tires suitable for normal driving conditions. Many people living in colder climates have two sets of tires - one for winter and one for the rest of the season. Keeping your tires in good condition is essential for the safest operation of your vehicle; if you have worn tracks, you won't make as good contact with the ground, which will increase your braking time. Knowing what to look for in regards to the quality of your tires will help you know when it's time to replace them.

A tire may be unsafe or usable due to several factors:

• Dry rot: The tire has a good tread but has sidewall cracks known as "weather" or "dry rot". This usually occurs later in the life of the tire and can occur if the vehicle is frequently parked outdoors at high temperatures.

• Tires are made up of different layersA: As a tire ages or becomes damaged, it can begin to break down, forming problematic bulges that impair handling.

• Suspension camber problems: Tires will wear out if the suspension is not properly adjusted, which can be a serious safety hazard.

To keep your tires in good condition, you should perform the following scheduled maintenance:

• Check tire tread to determine wear: Try the penny test. Insert it into the caterpillar, flipping Lincoln's head. If you can't see Lincoln's hair, then you're walking in good health. Consider new tires if you see his hair, and change them if you see his head.

• Look for tread wear indicators: These are hard rubber strips that only appear on worn tires. If these indicators appear in two or three places, it's time to replace the tire.

• Look for items stuck in the tire: These can be nails, small stones or buttons. If you hear a hissing sound when you pull out the nail, quickly put it back in and secure the splint. Tires with leaks should be patched by a professional.

• Look at the sides: Check for abrasions or worn areas, bulges and holes.

Learn more about when to change a tire and have a certified mechanic like AvtoTachki inspect your tires for uneven wear to make sure your car needs new tires.