Your tires seem to be in good condition, but they’ve been on your vehicle for a long time. This is why you could have a question that isn’t answered. Is it the ideal time to change my tire?
Alongside the flat or blowout, two other elements can assist you in determining when it’s time to change the tread depth of your tires and the date of manufacture.
When the tread wears out, tires lose traction being unable to hold the road well in the rain or snow. As time passes, the rubber will dry out and break, which could cause a blowout and flat tire. Even if plenty of tread remains, tires should be replaced if they’re worn out, at least every six years.
This article will show you how to gauge the tire’s tread to determine if the tire is safe. You can also determine when the tires were made and decide whether or not they’re within the time frame recommended by experts.
You’ll be looking at the tread and sides of your tires; you could want to wear gloves to make sure your hands are clean. In addition, you’ll be kneeling in front of your vehicle, so make sure to put it located in a safe area with enough lighting.
A measurement for tread depth of tires
The most basic method of determining tread depth is with one penny and one quarter, according to the advice of Gene Petersen, tire program manager at Consumer Reports, a product review site.
Start by inserting the half of the tread located in the mid-point of your tire and George Washington’s face in the middle of the tire. The head’s top should be in line with the tread. It is safe to drive on. But, it’s time to start searching for new tires that are compatible with the driver’s specifications. This gives you ample time to pick the appropriate tire for your car and compare prices for the best price.
If you put a penny, head-down, into between the two treads of your tire and put it at the same level as his head, your tires are becoming dangerous. It is imperative to change your tires immediately.
If you think ahead before purchasing a tire, you’ll be able to enjoy the most secure and comfortable ride. It could also save you some dollars.
The process of determining what the status of your tires are.
The frequency of changing your tires will depend on your driving habits and how often you’re driving, the quicker you’ll wear down the tread, and other factors such as weather conditions and road conditions. Even if your tires are still treading, experts advise that you replace them when they’re six years older or older, suggests Petersen.
To determine the date of your tires’ manufacture and the age of your tires, check the 4-digit Department of Transportation code on the side of the tire to determine when the tire was manufactured. A couple of numbers represented the week when it was made, and the rest are related to the year. For instance, if a tire you bought is “1109” inscribed on it, it’s made during the 11th week of 2009.
The lookup for the date code could be a little difficult. It’s usually preceded by the initials DOT. There are also additional letters and numbers that are followed by the initials DOT. You can look for a cluster of four numbers, which end with two figures. They can be identified as the year that was in the past.
Don’t delay getting new tires.
New tires aren’t cheap. But, you shouldn’t delay changing your tires as they are the most essential security component on your vehicle. A new set of tires will also provide your car with a smoother experience. In fact, being certain of the recent brands may even improve the efficiency of your vehicle when it comes to fuel. Check the tread depth along with the date of manufacture, and you’ll know when it’s time to replace your tires.
