On average, a set of tires travel 13,500 miles each year, should be rotated every 5,000 miles, and should be replaced every 5 years for optimal performance and safety. Because each vehicle is different and tires wear differently, there are many ways to check the condition of your tires before making a purchase.
Your vehicle may be riding rougher, have less traction in rainy or icy conditions, or you might even notice a decline in your fuel economy. While these changes can come on gradually, it is better to be safe than sorry. That is why it is important to evaluate tire condition and to know the signs of when they need to be replaced.
You need new tires if…
- Your tires don’t pass “The Penny Test”
- Your tires are bald or tread is worn
- Your sidewalls are cracked, bubbled or gouged
- Your vehicle is constantly shaking or vibrating
- You’ve been driving with a spare tire for over 50 miles
- Your Low Air Pressure light is always on, even if you fill your tires
- You have cords showing through the tire’s rubber
- You live in an area with snowy, winter months
- Your tires show uneven wear
- Your tires have 4/32” of tread or less
The Penny Test
The Penny Test is an old trick to tell if your tires have a deep enough tread. All you have to do is insert Abe’s head down into the tread. You will know if your tread is too shallow if Abraham Lincoln’s entire head is still visible, which would indicate that you need new tires. If you can see 75% or even half of Abe’s head, you have enough tread to drive safely, but most likely will have to get new tires within the year. And lastly, if you can barely see any of Abe’s head, your tires have perfectly enough tread and you are safe to travel!
New Tires from Lynch Tire Center
Does your car show any of these 10 signs? If so, stop in at one of our 7 convenient Lynch Tire Center locations or visit shoplynch.com/service/ to schedule an appointment for a new set of tires with our Price Match Guarantee! If you find the same tires somewhere else for a lower price, we’ll match the price! If you already bought your tires here and find a lower price elsewhere within 30 days of purchase, we’ll REFUND the difference!
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