How to Tell If You Need New Tires

It is sometimes hard to tell if you need new tires by just a quick glance. Follow these guides to thoroughly inspect your tires to determine if you need to replace the rubber between you and the road.

The Penny Test

Press an American Lincoln penny, with Lincoln's head pointing downward, into the center tread of each tire. If Mr. Lincoln's head is completely showing above the tread line, your tire tread is dangerously thin.

Use a Tread Gauge

A reasonably priced tread gauge will help you measure tread depth all over the tire, and show if you are inflating your tires correctly. If the tread edges are thicker than than in the middle, you are over-inflating your tires. Thicker tread at the center means you are under-inflating your tires. Either of these will reduce your gas mileage and tire longevity.

Other Tread Wear

If either the inner tread or the outer tread is noticeably thinner than the opposite side, this means improper alignment. Adjust the alignment and replace these tires immediately.

Tire Age

If your 6-year-old car is still on its original tires, replace them at once. UV light, road sand and salt, and spills of oil, gas and other fluids will wear out your tires over time.