How Do You Know It is Time for New Tires?

Tires often come with warranties, but the warranty is not an accurate indicator of how long that tire will last your car. After all, depending on how many miles you drive each year and how you drive, a tire might last longer or much less. Also, the design and climate where you frequently drive dictate the lifespan of your tire.

You do not have to use a crystal ball to predict the future of your tires! Instead, just know the warning signs and watch for indicators that it is time to replace your tires. Visit your local centre for auto repair in Vancouver and surrounding areas.

Think your tires need replacement? Book your tire change or rotation at a Minit-Tune & Brake Auto Centres location near you.

Ways to Determine if You Need New Tires

When deciding if you need new tires, there are several factors to consider, including wear, exposure, and age. You can do a quick analysis of your vehicle’s tire condition by:

• Check the Wear with a One Cent Piece – Using a one cent piece, you can test the tread wear on your tires. Place the penny into several of the treads of your tire that run across the tire with the leaf facing downward. If you can see the top of the maple leaf, your tires are worn and too shallow; therefore, it is time to replace them. If your tread covers part of the leaf, you still have time with your tires.
• Consider the Climate and Elements – Canada is home to extreme temperature fluctuations. Frequent rain, snow, heat, and ice wear a tire’s integrity quickly. Even if you have tread remaining, you might need to replace your tires if the sidewalls or rubber’s integrity is compromised from climate exposure.
• Tire Maintenance Habits – How often do you rotate your tires? What about air pressure monitoring? When you do not rotate your tires, inflating them properly, or ensuring your wheels are aligned will not help as much as it should. You will find that your tires wear down faster and require replacement quicker than a vehicle with well-maintained tires.
• Age of Your Tires – Check your vehicle manual and see what the manufacturer recommends for tire replacement. Most car manufacturers will recommend a maximum of ten years, while manufacturers of tires recommend five to six years.
• Quality of Tire – Economy tires tend to wear faster than high-performance or high-mileage tires. Therefore, the type and quality of tire might also influence to a large extent and dictate whether you need to replace sooner or later.

Need New Tires or Auto Repair in Vancouver and Surrounding Cities?

If you are ready to purchase new tires for your vehicle, Minit-Tune & Brake Auto Centres can help you with your purchase. We carry a full line of tires in multiple sizes and performance options. Our selection will match your budget and driving needs. Also, when it is time to rotate or align your wheels, come to one of our convenient locations and we can help improve the lifespan of your tires.

Learn more about our tire and alignment services or book your appointment online. Have a question about tires? Contact an auto repair centre near you now.