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Signs It’s Time for New Tires: Worn Tire Tread

One obvious sign that it’s time to replace your tires is visibly worn tread. The tread is critical for providing the traction your Ford needs to handle wet and slippery conditions safely. Most tires come with tread wear indicators, or small bars embedded between the tread. If these bars are flush with the tire’s surface, it’s time for a replacement. You may have heard of the “penny” trick, where you put a penny (Abe’s head down) into the tire tread and if Abe Lincoln’s head is entirely visible, your tread is too low. While not entirely scientific, this can be a good rough guideline to check your tread yourself.

Uneven Wear

If one side of the tire is more worn than the other, or if the wear looks patchy, that’s something called uneven wear. Uneven wear patterns on your tires might be a sign of alignment issues, improper inflation, or problems with your suspension. Tires that are worn unevenly can have a shorter lifespan and reduce your Ford’s handling. Rotating your tires regularly can help prevent uneven wear. Once it becomes too severe, the tires will have to be replaced.

Sidewall Cracks or Bulges

When was the last time you looked at your tires’ sidewalls? Check them thoroughly for cracks in the rubber or places where the tire bulges outward. Cracks and bulges can be a sign that your sidewall’s structural integrity is failing, putting you at an increased risk of sudden tire failure. Bulges or blisters are an especially worrying sign, indicating a weak spot that is primed for a blowout.

Unexplained Vibrations

Some vibration while driving is normal, especially on poorly paved roads. Excessive vibration, on the other hand, can be a warning sign. If you notice unusual vibrations that can’t be attributed to the road’s condition or that persist across various surfaces, it might be a sign of uneven wear or internal tire damage.

Aging Tires

Even if your tires look good, there comes a point when they’re just too old to do their job. Rubber deteriorates over time, which is why most manufacturers recommend replacing them every six years. You can find your tire’s manufacturing date on the sidewall, usually in a four-digit code that will tell you the week and year they were made.

Low Pressure

It’s normal to sometimes need to top up your tires with air. What’s not normal is having to do it over and over in a short period of time. Persistently low tires could indicate a leak, bad valve stem, or seal that needs to be repaired. If it can’t be repaired, your tires will need to be replaced.

Don’t wait until you have an accident to replace your tires. Schedule tire service at Valu Ford and Chrysler in Morris, MN, today.

Tags: automotive, Ford, repair, service, Tire
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