When it comes to your car, contrary to what most people think, the tires are an essential part of the vehicle. And each time you head out, you tend to put more stress and pressure on the tires. Naturally, your tires tend to be more damaged, compared to the rest of the vehicle. Naturally, your tires are going to look the ‘worse for wear,’ after a while. And if you do not check out the issue and rectify it in time, you may end up with a tire blowout or worse, in an accident. So check out the top warning signs that you need new tires,

  • Tread depth: If you have not changed your tires in a while, then it is highly likely that your treads are worn out. Check your tires to see whether you have the optimal tread depth and the bare minimum that you need to have is 1/16th of an inch. And if you happen to live in a wet zone, and often have to drive on wet, slushy roads, then you need twice the required tread depth. One way to check your tread depth is to use a Lincoln Penny. Just insert the penny into the treads, and if Lincoln’s head is still visible, then you need new tires. Repeat the test with all the four tires, and you should have your answer. For additional tips and suggestions, check online for New tyres Auckland.
  • Tread wear indicator bars: New tires come packed with more functionality than old ones – they come with built in tread wear bars. These tread wear bars become visible as the tires wear down. You may notice vertical rubber bars on the tires, running in a perpendicular direction to the tread. And when you see the tread wear bar that means that your tires need to be changed right away. You can get more information on tread wear bars by searching Google for New tyres, Auckland.
  • Sidewalls: You may want to inspect your tire sidewalls periodically. After all the rough wear and tear, tires often develop cracks in the sidewall. And as a result, they tend to develop a leak and if left unattended, may even lead to a blowout. So make a point of checking the sidewalls –and if you spot cracks or one that’s developing, then you need to get it attended to before it becomes worse.
  • Bulge or blisters: Yes, tires can develop bumps or blisters as the outer surface weakens after all the rough wear and tear. Not all the tires develop bulges and blisters, but some of the cheaper ones do. And when you spot the blister or bulge, it is vital that you change the tire yourself or head over to the local mechanic, and get it fixed. In case you do not, then you are just setting yourself up for a blowout, right in the middle of a highway.
  • Vibrations: If you have just got a new car, then you may notice some vibrations as you coast along. That’s normal, but you may also notice strange vibrations emanating from your tires. This could result from a poorly paved road or could be an indication of something more serious. Your tires could be misaligned – so if the new vibrations remain a constant feature, then it is time to head over to the mechanic and get your vehicle checked out. Too much vibration is often an indication that your wheels are not properly aligned and this can even cause your wheels to pop loose or worse, cause an accident.

You need to keep an eye out for these warning signs and the moment you spot them; you need to head over to the local garage and get it looked at right away. Your tires would need to be changed, or your hub cap could be loose, or your wheels are not correctly aligned. This is precisely why you should visit the local mechanic so that he can check out the tires as well as the rest of the vehicle.