Need New Tires: How Worn is too Worn And How to Tell

How to Tell if You Need New Tires for Your Car or Truck

Coming face to face with a manatee is a cool experience you want to share with your family. And you're in luck, because this is manatee season and you're ready to hit the Ocala springs to spot these amazing animals. But, are your tires ready for the trip? Or do you need new tires?

Your tires are critical for safety, performance, and fuel efficiency, so knowing when to replace them is essential. So in this blog the experts at Meineke in Ocala review the best ways to determine if your car or truck needs new tires.

1. Check the Tread Depth

Tread depth ensures proper traction on the road. And a quick way to test this is the penny test:

• Insert a penny into the tread with Lincoln’s head facing down.

• If you can see the top of Lincoln's head, the tread is too worn, and you need new tires.

For better accuracy, use a tread depth gauge. Because, tires are considered unsafe when the tread is less than 2/32 of an inch.

2. Look for Uneven Wear to Determine if You Need New Tires

Inspect your tires for uneven wear patterns, such as:

• Bald spots

• Excessive wear on one edge

• Center wear

Because, uneven wear could indicate alignment issues or improper tire inflation. Regardless, it’s a sign your tires may need replacing.

3. Inspect for Cracks and Bulges

Cracks in the rubber or bulges on the tire's surface indicate structural damage. And this can lead to a blowout. So, if you notice these issues, call Meineke in Ocala to discuss your options on replacing the tire immediately.

4. Pay Attention to Performance

If your car:

• Struggles to grip the road in wet conditions

• Feels wobbly

• Takes longer to stop

These are signs your tires may no longer be safe and need replacing.

5. Age of the Tires

Tires degrade over time, even if they look fine. And most manufacturers recommend replacing them every 6 to 10 years, depending on use and conditions. So, check the DOT date code on the sidewall for the tire's manufacture date.

Meineke in Ocala Can Help Determine if Worn is too Worn and You Need New Tires

Regular tire inspections and timely replacements keep you safe and enhance your vehicle’s performance. Also, regular tire rotations will help extend the life of the tires you have. But, if you’re unsure whether or not it's time for new tires, visit the ASE-certified Meineke on SW Highway 200 in Ocala for a professional evaluation and advice on the best tires for your vehicle.

If the Meineke in Ocala is not a convenient auto repair center for you, here are a few of the many other car repair centers in Florida:

Meineke Car Care - Spring Hill Dr.
14395 Spring Hill Drive
Spring Hill, FL 34609
Call (844) 874-6081

Meineke Car Care - SW Highway 200
6187 SW Highway 200
Ocala, FL 34476
Call (352) 307-1922

Meineke Car Care - So. Orange Ave.
4834 S Orange Ave
Orlando, FL 32806
Call (321) 250-5693