3 Signs You Should Check Your Tires

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Are you in the habit of routinely checking your car's tires? Those four slabs of rubber are the only things keeping your car connected to the road, making them critical elements for safety and performance. Worn tires can impact your ability to accelerate, corner, and brake, any of which may be necessary when dealing with an unexpected hazard on the road.

A set of tires might last 60,000 miles under ideal conditions, but few people drive on perfect roads. Many situations can accelerate the wear on your tires, leading to reduced performance or even catastrophic failures. As a result, it's a good idea to check your tires as often as you can. If you haven't looked at them lately, here are three signs that you are long overdue for a glance.

1. Increased Road Noise

Most car cabins aren't tranquil places, but noise can originate from many sources. You might be hearing everything from squeaky interior panels to the bits of wind noise that make it past your windows. Road noise is a specific category of interior noise generated by the contact between your tires and the driving surface.

Road noise can vary quite a bit, with some tires producing more than others. This type of noise usually sounds like a low rumble, and it's easy to let it fade into the background. However, it's a good idea to examine your tires if your car's road noise is becoming more noticeable. Tires tend to get noisier as they wear, and a significant increase may even indicate that damage one or more of them.

2. Poor Rain Performance

Did you know that your tire tread pattern primarily helps you in the rain and snow? On perfectly dry and flat roads, your tread blocks aren't doing much. Instead, worn-down tire tread usually first manifests as trouble in inclement conditions. If you notice a sudden loss of grip in the rain, then that's a good sign that your tires may be approaching the end of their lifespan.

3. Recent Suspension or Steering Problems

Issues with your car's suspension or steering can cause your alignment angles to drift, which places excessive amounts of wear on your tires. Alignment issues usually cause uneven wear, and it may not always be visible without a careful examination. If you've recently fixed steering or suspension problems, check both the inside and outside edges of your tires for unusual wear patterns.

Ignoring problems with your tires can lead to dangerous issues on the road. By getting into the habit of checking your tires for signs of wear or damage, you can increase your safety while ensuring your car performs as it should.

If you need tires, contact a local tire shop to learn about how to get some.


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