How do you tell if you need new tires? Unless your tires are completely bald or scattered along the side of Philips Highway, it’s not always easy to know how often to change tires. Tires wear down slowly, making them a frequently overlooked aspect of a vehicle’s maintenance.
Luckily, the experts at Big Chief Tire have you covered. We know the last thing you want is to put your family in a dangerous situation on the side of a busy road. Avoid potential flats, blowouts, and issues by keeping track of the age of your tires and performing regular checks.
How To Tell if You Need New Tires
Tire Tread Depth
Your tire’s tread depth will tell you if you need to replace your tires. New tires have a tread depth of approximately 10/32 or 11/32 of an inch. With time and use, these treads wear down. When treads become too worn, they lose traction, making driving unsafe in certain conditions. Plus, driving on tires that are worn too far (less than 2/32 of an inch) is illegal.
Click here for an easy step-by-step guide to checking your tire tread depth.
Tire Wear
You’ll also want to check the overall tire wear. Tire treads should show wear evenly. If you see unusual wear, such as only on the inside or outside of your tires, it may indicate alignment or tire pressure problems. Other signs of tire wear may include bubbles or bulges, sidewall cuts or cracks, or damaged valve caps.
If these issues go unnoticed and unresolved, your tires and the overall safety of your vehicle can be compromised. Bring in your car for a tire replacement as soon as you notice this wear and tear.
How Often Should You Replace Tires?
Tire Age
Nothing lasts forever. Even if you don’t drive much, all tires have a shelf life. How often should you replace tires? Typically, tires should be replaced every 3-4 years or every 40,000 to 60,000 miles, whichever comes first.
There’s an easy way to check the age, even if you can’t remember. Every tire includes a marking indicating when it was made. The four-digit number located on the inner circle of the tire and to the right of the model number indicates the week and year this tire was made.
Still unsure how often to change tires? We’ve made it simple. Take our 5-question quiz to determine if you need new tires.
How To Choose Replacement Tires
There are many brands and styles of tires on the market. You’ll need to research what’s right for you. Factors to consider may include climate, highway travel frequency, and location. For example, tires in Jacksonville, FL won’t necessarily need the same tread designs and compounds as tires in Denver, CO. Consider the conditions you’ll be driving in before you pick your new tire set. Big Chief Tire has the knowledge and expertise to guide you to the right tires for the Florida weather.
How Long Does it Take to Change Tires?
How long does it take to change tires? While our team is no NASCAR pit crew, we’re incredibly efficient. With an average tenure of ten years, our experienced staff can complete most tire changes in about an hour.
Visit Big Chief Tire Shop in Jacksonville, FL for the Best Deals
New tires are an essential investment. Knowing how often to change tires is important for your vehicle’s overall performance and keeping your family safe. When making this purchase, you want to work with a business you can trust. That’s why we recommend choosing a local tire shop in Jacksonville, FL, rather than a big-box company.
Customers across Jacksonville have trusted Big Chief Tire for four generations. We know your family is more important than tires ever will be, but we understand how much of an investment this is. We are always willing to work with you to find a tire at a price that suits your budget.
Prevent accidents, keep your family safe, and get a great deal on new tires by scheduling an appointment with Big Chief Tire in Jacksonville, FL.
