In December 2019 the following Tweet went viral, sending car enthusiasts and safety experts into tailspin over Danger Signs With Your Car Tires.
https://twitter.com/TimtamFish/status/1210605324396302336
Fortunately did turn out to be nothing more than a prank, it did shine a light on the important issue of tire maintenance. According to NHTSA figures, around 9% of passenger cars on USA are driving with at least one bald tire.
In this article we will teach you the lessons your Mom and Dad should have done when you got your first car. Read on to find out everything you need to know about tire maintenance.
TIP: If your car tires have already gone beyond the legal limit, check out Tire Agent for some of the best deals on Radar tires in the USA.
Tread Depth
New tires in the USA typically comes with 10/32 or 11/32 tread depths, or if you use the metric system, around 8mm. With every mile that you put on your car, you are adding wear and tear to your tires, gradually reducing your tread depth.
When that tread depth wears away, tires are often referred to as ‘bald’. The majority of states have laws regarding minimum tread depths to reduce the risks of people driving on completely bald tires, like the one shown in the Twitter picture above. This is a big part of Danger Signs With Your Car Tires.
The minimum is 2/32 of an inch or approximately 1.6mm. If you drive on past this depth you will not only be susceptible to a fine but be at a much higher risk of being involved in a motoring accident.
Bald tires increase the risk of aquaplaning, punctures, blow outs and also significantly increase stopping distances.
How to Check Tread Depth
If you want to ensure you are always on top of your tire maintenance, you should invest in a tread depth gauge. These small devices which can be kept in your glove compartment are easy to use and will give you an accurate reading of your tread depth. They aren’t too expensive either, you can pick up a decent one from Amazon for as little as $15.
If you don’t have a tread depth gauge to hand and want to check the safety of your tires right away, you can always use the penny trick. Grab a penny and position it so that Abraham Lincoln’s head is pointing downwards.
Then place the penny into one of the ribs in your tire and if the former President’s head disappears you know that your tires are within the legal limit. If you can still see Lincoln’s head, then your tread depth has dropped below 2/32 of an inch.
Other Tread Depth Warning Signs
Almost every car manual recommends checking the tread depth of your tires once a week or after every long journey. In reality, none of us really have the time to do that, so what other signs can busy car users look out for?
Vibrations
More danger Signs With Your Car Tires is if you feel vibrations on your steering wheel when you’re driving over uneven surfaces, but if you feel vibrations on smooth road surfaces it’s usually a sign that your tires have gone beyond their minimum tread depth.
Cracks
The pressure put on bald tires often leads to cracks spreading out into the sidewall. Don’t ignore these warning signs as they are an early indicator of a blowout.
Strange Noises
Healthy tires don’t make much noise, but unhealthy ones can make a deafening racket. Whether that’s a dull whirring noise or a high-pitched whistle. If your tires start to take on a musical element, it’s time to get them replaced.
Mileage
The tires on a brand-new car can last up to 50,000 miles but as a general rule of thumb, your tires need replacing every 20,000 miles or 10 years – whichever comes first. Make a note then of the mileage on your car when you replace your tires and keep an eye on it.
Then you’ll know when you’re approaching the 20,000 mile limit and be able to check your tread depth.
In Summary
As y0u can see Danger Signs With Your Car Tires is Not checking your tread depth could be fatal for you and other road users, so make sure you take the time to check on them as often as you can. This can not only help with safety but with your finances too. If you have a good idea as to when you’re going to need new tires you can put the money aside to have them replaced when the time comes.
