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August 9, 2024

The Absolute Best Way to Know Whether Your Need New Tires

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

Virginia's Grant Holloway made it look easy winning his men's 110m hurdle semifinal run. And we in Virginia Beach couldn't be prouder of our Chesapeake neighboring hero. Yet, we know it takes a team to keep one "traveling down the road of success". And your car or truck is no different; it takes "teamwork" to keep your vehicle traveling down the road. And that teamwork starts from the ground up. So, in this blog, the experts at Meineke in Virginia Beach start at the bottom: Your tires, reviewing why they are important, and how to tell when it's time to get them replaced.

It All Starts with Your Tires

Your vehicle’s tires are its first and only contact with the road, making them one of the most critical components for safety and performance. But, over time, tires wear down, lose their grip, and become less effective. And this puts you at risk of accidents and poor handling. Knowing when to replace your tires is crucial. So let's review these important signs to watch out for.

1. Tread Depth

Tread depth is one of the most important indicators of tire health. Because, tires have tread patterns designed to grip the road, especially in wet or slippery conditions. And as the tread wears down, the tire’s ability to grip the road decreases.

  • The Penny Test: Insert a penny into the tread groove with Lincoln’s head upside down and facing you. And if you can see the top of Lincoln’s head, your tread is less than 2/32 of an inch, and it’s time to replace your tires.

  • Tread Wear Indicators: Modern tires come with built-in tread wear indicators (small bars of rubber across the tread grooves). And when these bars are flush with the tire’s tread, it means your tread is worn down, and the tires should be replaced.

2. Cracks in the Sidewall

The sidewall of the tire can develop cracks or cuts as the tire ages. And these cracks are usually a sign that the tire is deteriorating, which could lead to a blowout. So, if you notice any cracks or cuts in your tires, it’s a good idea to have them inspected and possibly replaced by the ASE certified experts at Meineke in Virginia Beach.

3. Uneven Tread Wear

Uneven tread wear can be a sign of several issues, including improper tire inflation, misalignment, or suspension problems. So, if the tread is worn more on one side of the tire than the other, it’s likely that the tire needs to be replaced. Additionally, it’s important to address the underlying cause of the uneven wear to prevent it from happening again.

4. Vibration While Driving

Excessive vibration while driving can indicate that your tires are out of balance, have a flat spot, or are damaged. And while some vibration is normal, especially on rough roads, an increase in vibration or unusual shaking can be a sign that your tires need attention. So, have them inspected by the tire experts at Meineke in Virginia Beach to determine if they need to be replaced.

5. Age of your Tires

Even if your tires look fine, they may still need to be replaced if they are too old. Because, the rubber compounds in tires break down over time. And this makes them less effective and more prone to failure.

6. Bulges or Blisters on the Tire

Bulges or blisters on the tire’s surface can occur when the outer layer of the tire begins to weaken. And this could be caused by impact damage or a manufacturing defect. So if you see any bulges or blisters, it’s important to replace the tire immediately. Because, it could lead to a sudden blowout.

7. Loss of Air Pressure

If your tires are consistently losing air pressure, it could be a sign of a slow leak, a puncture, or a weakened tire structure. And while some loss of air pressure is normal over time, frequent refills indicate a problem. So have your tires inspected at Meineke on Laskin Road in Virginia Beach to determine if they need to be replaced.

Take Care Of Your Team Player, The Trusty Tire, and It'll Take Care of You

Your tires play an important role in your vehicle's safety and performance. So, regularly inspecting them for signs of wear and damage can help you avoid accidents and costly repairs. And if you notice any of the signs mentioned above, it’s time to consider getting new tires at your locally-owner Meineke on Laskin Road.

If the Meineke on Laskin Road in Virginia Beach is not a convenient, check out these other locally-owned Meineke locations:

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