Your car often is one of the most important of your possessions, as many people rely on them to get to work or school every day. Therefore, it’s important to keep your vehicle in good shape to avoid breakdowns or other accidents, and one of the most important aspects to maintain are the tires. Below is a short guide on some circumstances in which you should visit a tire shop in San Antonio and replace your tires to try to ensure road safety.
Before Wet or Cold Weather
As one of the biggest purposes of a tire is to provide traction on a wet surface, it’s a good idea to check on your tires before the weather turns especially rainy or icy in the winter and spring. The Lincoln Penny test is a commonly touted one used to check if the threads, or grooves, on a tire are shallower than 2/32s of an inch. This number is generally considered to be the minimum, but 4-5/32s of an inch are a considerably safer alternative, especially when driving through dangerous snow.
When Cracked, Worn, or Damaged
Just because your treads are deep doesn’t mean your tires are in perfect working order. Abnormalities, such as bumps or lumps protruding from the sides can indicate an inflation problem, and cracks in the rubber can be signs of the rubber breaking down. In general, if in doubt, bring your car into a tire shop in San Antonio to have it professionally assessed.
Every Six Years
Due to the stress that road salts, heat, and usage can have on a tire, even if there are no apparent defects, the NHTSA recommends tire replacement at least every six years, or every ten for inactive vehicles. As always, it’s better to be safe than sorry, and having tires in tip top shape can prevent against sudden flat tires or slipping during poor weather.
