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How can you tell if you need new tires?

It’s important to ensure that your tires are in optimal condition at all times, but this is especially the case during the winter. Tires provide your car with the traction required to turn safely and come to a stop if needed.

Not everyone is mechanically-minded, so identifying some of the more common signs that you need new tires could be beneficial. Outlined below are a few things to keep in mind.

Visible signs

One of the most important checks you can carry out on your tires is to see if there are any visible cracks or blemishes. Often, cracks will appear on the sidewall of the tire when they are in a state of disrepair. You also need to be on the lookout for any bulges or blisters. These types of visible signs are more than cosmetic, they could be an indication that your tire is about to blowout at any second.

You also want to keep an eye on the depth of the tread that your tire has. As a general rule, this should never go below 1.6mm. One way that you can measure this is to use a one-cent coin by placing it in the tread lines. If you are able to see the inscribed head on the coin then your tire needs to be replaced.

When you are on the open road

Defective tires aren’t always going to be easy to recognize, but there are some signs to look out for when you’re on the open road. If you feel like you’re losing grip when going round a corner, it could be because of your tires. Additionally, any vibration traveling through the steering wheel could be an indication that you need to have your tires looked at.

Performing vehicle checks on your own is important and if you’re unsure, you should seek the advice of a mechanic. Of course, no matter how careful you are, you can’t control the actions of others. A car that’s in a state of disrepair may crash into you and cause injuries. If this has happened, make sure you explore your legal options.

 

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