Making sure your car is equipped with good tires is necessary for safe driving. Tires wear down over time, however, so there comes a point when you will need to go to the GMC dealer for new tires. Fortunately, there are warning signs that your old tires are wearing out.
Tread Wear
The most obvious visible sign that your tires need replacing is too much wear on the tread. As you drive, your tread gradually wears down, reducing your vehicle’s grip on the road, especially when it’s wet.
A simple way to check the depth of your tread is with the penny test. Stick a penny into the tread with Abraham Lincoln’s head upside down. If you can see the top of his head, your tread depth is less than 2/32 of an inch, and it’s not safe to drive on your tires anymore.
Irregular Tread Wear
Uneven wear on your tires can suggest several issues. Anything from improper inflation, misalignment, or problems with the suspension can cause the tread to wear in an uneven pattern. It’s crucial not only to replace tires with irregular wear but also to fix the underlying issues to prevent the same wear pattern on your new set of tires.
Aging Tires
Even if your tires look like they’re fine, aging can affect their performance. Rubber compounds deteriorate over the years, losing elasticity and leading to cracks and leaks. Check your tires’ manufacture date, found on the sidewall, to determine their age. If they are six years old or more, replace them.
Impact Damage
If you’ve hit a curb, pothole, or road debris, your tire might have sustained damage that’s not immediately obvious. It’s smart to have your tires inspected by a professional if you experience a large impact, as internal tire damage could pose a risk even if it looks okay on the outside.
Frequent Loss of Pressure
If you find yourself regularly topping up the air in your tires, there might be a slow leak. This could be due to a puncture, damaged rim, or deterioration of the tire valve. While some punctures can be patched or repaired, if the damage is too major, the tire will need to be replaced.
Get New Tires at Your GMC Dealer
If your tires are starting to show signs of age, wear, or damage, it’s time to take a trip to your local dealership. We can inspect your tires to see if they need to be replaced, and help you select the perfect new set for your vehicle. With trained technicians to perform the installation, you’ll be back on the road quickly.
Regular inspection and maintenance including rotating, balancing, and alignment, can extend the life of your tires. When it’s time for new ones, however, visit Casa Buick GMC in El Paso, TX.
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