It’s important to know when your car’s tires should be changed. The condition of your tires impacts the overall safety of your car. No matter how good a driver you are, your tires need to be in good condition to perform well. Here’s what you need to know about the importance of tires and when it’s time to change them.

Why Change Your Tires?

Tires in good condition do a better job than tires that are damaged or getting old. If the tread is worn, for example, your tires can’t do their job effectively. It doesn’t matter how well you drive or how fast you think you can hit the brakes – your tires need to be in their best shape at all times. Tires support vehicle load, absorb road shocks, and change and maintain direction on the road.

Check Tire Tread

As mentioned, tire tread is important. Tires need tread for better traction in wet conditions. The grooves help to maneuver water away from the surface of the tires when the road is wet. If water cannot be siphoned away from the tires, this can lead to loss of control of the vehicle and even hydroplaning. Hydroplaning is when the tires lose contact with the road and glide across the water. The tread should be at least 2/32 of an inch. An easy way to check the tread is to insert a penny into the tread with Lincoln’s head upside down. If you can see his head, the tread is less than 2/32 and you need to replace your tires.

How Much Wear and Tear?

Wear and tear on your tires can not only affect their performance, but can also signal other issues with your car. Normal wear and tear will affect all four tires. If you notice wear and tear on just one or two, this may be the result of improper wheel alignment, faulty suspension, or under or over-inflated tires. The cause of uneven tire wear should be explored and the worn tires replaced.

Check the Age of Your Tires

Even if your tires look good, it’s a good idea to change them when they get older. Car manufacturers typically recommend replacing them every six years while tire manufacturers say every ten years is acceptable. Check what your specific car manufacturer says about when to replace the tires. Don’t wait until you notice something wrong before changing them just to save a bit of time. You put yourself and others on the road at risk by doing this.

How to Keep Tires in Good Condition

Tires should be rotated every 6,000 miles to promote even wear. It’s a good idea to make sure the tires are inflated properly. Check them on a regular basis (monthly is recommended) and refer to the tire manufacturer’s guidelines to know the air pressure they recommend. This is also a good time to look for any other irregularities on the tires.

Knowing when to change your tires is a crucial part of keeping your car safe. When your tires are in good condition, you will have better control over the car.