Several factors can influence the integrity of your tires. The more a tire wears down, the more likely it is to slide around on pavement, creating a hazard for you as well as making you a hazard to other drivers on the road.
The lifetime and reliability of your tires can rely on:
- Change of seasons / weather
- Your car’s alignment
- Road conditions (ie. potholes)
- Proper tire pairing on the same axle
Typically, tires nowadays should last you around 120 to 130 thousand kilometres. They should also have a tread that is about 1.6mm deep. However, the brand and rating of the tires also have a large impact on their longevity.
Inspecting Your Tires
One of the best things that you can do for your tires is to be proactive with maintenance. This means ensuring that the proper pressure is applied to tires at all times, that you avoid those pesky potholes, and that you simply look at and understand the small variations that come with the age of your tires.
Tires are very unique and it can be tough to determine when it is time to change them out. Of course, we all want to save money and put off this change for as long as possible.
The infamous penny test can be used to check the tread on a tire – if you still have pennies lying around! Set the edge of the penny into the tread with the head of the queen going in first. If you see that the top of the queen’s head is not visible, great! If you are able to see her entire head, it might be time to consider seeing your auto body professional for a second opinion.
Still Unsure?
The team at Perfection Auto Body are experienced and have a keen eye for signs of wear and tear in your tires. If you find yourself doubting the effectiveness of your tires, make your appointment with us today – we would love to help you out!
If you are interested in reading more, check out our blog about reducing paint fading and scratches!
Sources
Michelin
How Stuff Works