Tires are a crucial component of standard vehicle maintenance because they serve as your vehicle's link to the road. It’s critical to have them tested on a regular basis to ensure that they are in optimum condition.
Tires will gradually decline and lose traction over time, more so if they are neglected. This will reduce your car's efficiency in braking and turning.
Unfortunately, many drivers don't give much thought to the current state of their tires.
This now leads us to the question, "When is the best time to replace your tires?" We have prepared a quick rundown of the signs that your tires need to be replaced as well as the symptoms of worn-out tires.
Tire Surface Damage
When the sidewalls of your tires begin to show bulges, cracks, or blisters. Your vehicle may become dangerous to drive if its tires have a tear or an unnatural bump.
Bulges that create air pockets indicate weak spots in the wheel. You'll have flat tires as a result after they blow out. To prevent any traffic incident, it is best to have the tires repaired or replaced if you see these indicators before hitting the road.
Low Tire Pressure
If your car has a tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS), it will alert you if one or more of your tires are dangerously under-inflated. Better head to the nearest tire shop to have them checked.
Tire Tread Wear
According to Top Gear Philippines, tire tread depth should generally not be less than 1.6 millimeters. If you drive on damp surfaces frequently, the tread may wear out faster. The good news is that newer tire models include a tread wear indicator bar that reveals how much damage has been done to the tire. These indications are flat rubber bars that run across the tread direction. These markings are a certain sign that your tire needs to be replaced if one or two of them start to show.
If you’re using older tire models, you can apply the "piso test" to see how much tread is still on them. Simply stand a one peso coin on its edge inside the tread. You have enough tread if the year directly beneath the coin's head is only half exposed. If not, you will need to consider getting replacements soon.
Air Pressure Leak
Air leak will cause your tires to slowly deflate. The unit of measurement used to calculate the air pressure within your tires is pounds per square inch (PSI). You can use your vehicle's suggested PSI to assess whether the problem is minor or severe. The recommended PSI for automobile tires is 32 to 35 PSI. However, bigger vehicles such as trucks and buses require a higher tire pressure of roughly 116 to 131 PSI. If your tire's PSI reduces by one in a week, it could be due to a small repairable puncture or a bent rim that raises the distance between your wheel and tire.
However, a sudden decrease in PSI should raise red flags because it can point to a sizable hole. Look closely at the tires to check for debris, holes, or foreign items near the surface. When you discover that it requires more than a quick repair, consult a mechanic.
Exposure to Harsh Weather Conditions
Tires are continually subjected to adverse environmental conditions that can cause degradation, ranging from the high heat of the summer season to damp surfaces on rainy days. Rubber is a natural substance that will degrade over time, especially when exposed to weather.
Damage forming between tread blocks and the sidewall are common symptoms of tire deterioration. If you find that the interior materials are already poking out, you need to replace your tires right away.
Vehicle Thumping or Vibrating
Car vibration or shaking can be considered as common, especially when driving on rough surfaces. However, if the vibration persists, your tires may have an issue. These shaking irregularities may be caused by misaligned or unbalanced tires.
Or, your vehicle's shock absorbers could be faulty, causing your tires to rattle. If your vehicle consistently exhibits these issues, it is best to visit a competent mechanic.
Used for More Than Three Years
When their cars break down, most automobile owners make false assumptions. However, there are situations when the issue is greatly influenced by the tire's age.
To make sure your tires are reliable and safe, you should examine them at least once a year. Once your tires are older than three years, routine checks should be standard.
How Do I Know the Age of My Tires?
The “birth date” of each tire, for those made after the year 2000, is stamped on the sidewall. This number is formatted in a conventional, uncomplicated manner, with the week and year being represented by a 4-digit number (WWYY).
Simply check the sidewall of the tire clockwise to find the date code, which is a collection of characters and numbers contained in a raised rectangular area. The date code is a 4-digit number inside the box that you need. The date code uses the “WWYY” format, where the first two digits stand for the week the tire was made and the last two digits for the year.
For example, in the photo above the date code on the tire is "0223," which means that the tire was produced in the second week of 2018. We can infer that it was made between January 8 and 14, 2023.
Final Thoughts
Car tires lose their efficiency and capacity for performance after three to four years of frequent use. Tires need to get yearly assessments after five to six years. They need to be replaced after 10 years, no matter how well they are maintained. Regular maintenance inspections are necessary since tires deteriorate over time, helping to prevent major accidents. It is important for every motorist to be aware of the typical warning indications that a vehicle's tires need to be replaced.
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