When you use your car on a daily basis, good tires are absolutely essential for the highest level of safety possible. To many, tires are just something that's necessary to pass an automotive inspection and get from point A to point B. To others, tires are key to optimal vehicle performance as well as making their vehicles look good. When it comes to vehicle performance, a set of four new tires can quickly shift a driver's perspective from seeing tires as unimportant. New tires are a quick reminder of what the automotive design team had in mind when they manufactured your vehicle. The right tires can make a vehicle perform as intended.
Investing in new tires can change nearly everything about your vehicle. New tires can enhance its performance, ride, comfort, looks, and especially vehicle safety. Considering all the options available in terms of tire size, type, and desired performance, there is a huge number of tires available on the market today from a large number of manufacturers.
There is no absolute way to determine the life of a tire. Many tires come with limited warranty coverage of up to a certain mileage. Tire wear will depend greatly on driving habits, the function of the vehicle, maintenance, and the road surfaces on which they roll. A quality set of tires should last several years if they're properly maintained.
Realizing when you need new tires may be a little tricky for some. That's why so many consumers ask so many different questions about tire quality including tread depth, tire wear, tire damage, and mismatching tires on an everyday vehicle. They're curious to know if they absolutely need to replace their tires. There's a simple answer to all of these kinds of questions; a new set of quality tires will alleviate the stress of worrying about the safety and performance of the tires you have right now.
However, if you want a better, more personalized answer, consult your local auto dealership. Auto technicians at dealerships are continually working with tire manufacturers to understand their tire technology, and because they're automaker-certified for work on your make and model, they have the expertise to advise you as to whether or not new tires are necessary.
As you use your tires, the tread wears down. When the tread depth reaches 2/32", it's highly recommended that you change your tires. Driving on tires with smaller tread is definitely unsafe, and may even be illegal in your city or state. To determine the depth of the tread on your tires, there are a few different tests. You can perform a quick and accurate test with a tread depth gauge. However, if you don't have a tread depth gauge, use the following coin tests to estimate the amount of tread left on your tires.
Place a penny between the tread grooves with the top of Lincoln's head nearest to the tire. If you can see any space above the top of the head, it's time to replace your tires. Take your vehicle to the dealership for a complete safety inspection.
Place a quarter between the tread grooves with the top of Washington's head nearest to the tire. If you can see any space above the top of the head, less than half your tread remains. Some service professionals recommend replacing your tires at this time, particularly if you plan on driving in inclement weather or on a long road trip.
A common occurrence in many cars is uneven tire wear. Uneven tread wear can result from a number of issues with a vehicle, including wheels out of alignment or balance, or it could be caused by driving on the tires when they're overinflated or underinflated. Once tires become worn unevenly, there's no way to fix them. The only solution is buying new tires. Head to your local auto dealership for an inspection if you notice uneven tread wear on your tires.
As briefly mentioned, the biggest advantage of buying new tires in the added safety you'll get from them. They can help provide optimal traction, handling, and performance capability on a variety of paved and unpaved surfaces as well as in inclement weather such as rain or snow. New tires can also decrease braking time and stopping distance. In addition to vehicle safety, new tires can also offer optimal performance tuned to a specific vehicle because tire manufacturers often work directly with automakers to develop tires for that make and model. Consult your local tire dealer when it's time to replace your tires.
Driving is a necessity. It gets you to work, the kids off to school, and the family out on the weekends. However, all of those miles will eventually wear down the tread on your tires, resulting in less performance and reduced safety overall. Les Schwab can help you know when to get new tires. When you do, here are some surprising benefits to a new set of tires for your car, truck, crossover, or SUV.
Besides the look a new set of tires adds to any vehicle, there are other advantages as well. These include safety, performance, traction, and comfort.
The quality of your tires and the overall tread help keep you in control. As tread wears down, your stopping distance increases, and your control of the vehicle can suffer. Learn more about tire tread and when it’s time to buy new tires.
Today’s vehicles are incredible machines designed to keep you safely on the road. New tires help achieve optimal performance with added grip and flexibility.
New tires increase your grip on the road. That includes cornering, accelerations, and braking on wet and dry pavement.
Depending on the type of tires and the overall tread pattern, a new set of tires can be both comfortable and quiet. That can be especially true for performance and summer tires designed for high-end SUVs and other vehicles, including electric models.
There are a lot of variables to consider when it comes to new tires and your overall MPG or battery range. Low-rolling-resistance tires may improve things, but there are trade offs. The shallower tread may increase your stopping distance and reduce steering performance — especially on wet roads. On the other hand, choosing tires with added traction and deeper tread for added control and safety will slightly affect fuel and range efficiency. That’s because that tread makes the tires heavier and creates more wind drag.
Eco tire options are specifically built for today’s electric and hybrid vehicles. These technological wonders are quiet, have a long tread life, and feature a low rolling resistance for peak mileage and range. If you don’t have an EV or hybrid, performance tires for passenger vehicles, CUVs, and SUVs, are designed to help you hug corners, zip through straightaways, and add safety to every drive while also helping you get the most out of every gallon of gas. Ask the pros at Les Schwab about the best tires for your driving needs, including fuel efficiency and performance.
Looking for ways to improve your overall MPG? We have some top tips to boost your fuel efficiency, whether you drive a truck, hybrid, or fully electric vehicle.
Worn-out tires affect your car’s performance and safety. The pros at Les Schwab can a href="https://www.lesschwab.com/article/tires/how-do-i-know-when-i-need-new-tires.html" title="How to Tell If You Need New Tires">help you decide if you need new tires with a free visual inspection. You can also check your own tires by seeing how close your tread is to the tread wear indicators or “tread wear bars” in the grooves of the tread (see the image above). Simply look for the lowest tread wear point across the tread face of the tire. If the tread on the tire is even with the tread wear bars, it could be time for new tires. Or, check them with some pocket change. We call it the penny tread test.
Need New Tires? Let Les Schwab Help
If the tires on your vehicle are more than a few years old, are the same ones that came with the car or truck, or you’re just not sure how much tread is left, stop by your local Les Schwab. We’ll check your tires for free, make recommendations, and get you back on the road safely.