Taking care of your tires is important to stay safe and maximize your car’s performance. It’s not always obvious when to take your vehicle to the Ford dealership for new tires, but fortunately, there are some tell-tale signs.
Worn Tire Tread
Use a penny to test if your tread has worn down too much. Place the penny into the tread of your tire with Abraham Lincoln upside-down. If you can see the top of Lincoln’s head over the tire, it needs to be replaced.
Visible Tread Wear Indicator
Newer tires have tread wear indicator bars built into them. Flat rubber bars, the tread wear indicators begin deep inside the tread of fresh tires. These bars become even with the surface of your tires once they have worn down to a dangerous level.
Uneven Tread Wear
Uneven wear on your tires may point to alignment, suspension, or balance issues. It may also happen if your tires have not been properly inflated. To prevent uneven wear, rotate your tires regularly.
Sidewall Cracks or Bulges
Check the sidewalls of your tires for cracks, cuts, or bulges. This type of damage, sometimes caused by driving over potholes or curbs, creates a weak spot in your tire. It can lead to slow leaks or even a blowout, meaning driving on cracked, bulging tires can be dangerous. Damage to the sidewall cannot be repaired, and your tires should be replaced immediately.
Constantly Low Tire Pressure
If your tires always seem low, no matter how often you add air, it’s a sure sign you have a leak. Leaks can occur due to punctures, damaged valve stems, or a bad tire bead. Sometimes punctured tires can be replaced, so have your leaky tires inspected.
Unusual Noise or Vibration
Noise and vibration while driving, beyond what is normal for your vehicle, can indicate tire issues. Internal tire damage or uneven wear on the treads may first become noticeable this way.
Aging Tires
Even if the tires on your car look fine, age can cause them to break down. Most manufacturers recommend replacing your tires every six years, regardless of how far you’ve driven them. Rubber degrades over time, causing your tires to perform less than their best and increasing the risk they will fail.
Pick Up New Tires at Your Ford Dealership
When the time comes to replace those tires, the best place to go is your local dealership. With a great selection and professional technicians, we can help you choose the correct tires for your vehicle, install them, and get you on your way in no time.
Keep an eye on the condition of your tires and take care of problems promptly to stay safe on the road. Call Bill McCandless Ford and let us inspect your tires today.
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