WHEN & HOW TO CHANGE A TIRE

Spot signs for when it’s time to get new tires for your vehicle.

WHEN IS IT TIME TO CHANGE A TIRE?

Are you wondering when it's time to change a tire and what signs to look out for? Learn how to spot early indicators that your tires may need replacing.

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TIRE DAMAGE

Some tire damage is repairable, like a small puncture from a nail in the road. Other types of tire damage can stop your vehicle in its tracks. So how do you know what is repairable and when to replace your tires? You may need to replace a tire if you see these types of tire damage:

  • Cracks in the tire rubber
  • Bubbles in the tire sidewall
  • Punctures over ¼ in diameter
  • Punctures in a tire shoulder or sidewall

If you are still unsure whether to repair or replace, you can always schedule an appointment at Tires Plus for an inspection by our expert technicians.

MILEAGE

Factors like your tire type, road conditions, and driving habits can all affect the total mileage you get out of a set of tires. Still, on average, you can expect to get somewhere around 50,000 to 60,000 miles from new tires. When you reach that mile mark, it may be time to look into replacing.

TREAD DEPTH

Good tread on a tire is what gives your vehicle a solid grip on the road. But as you drive your vehicle over time, tread depth will naturally wear down. If you aren’t already doing it, it’s a good idea to check your tread depth once a month with a tread depth gauge, by doing the penny test, or by checking tread wear bars

So, what can tread depth tell you about when it’s time to replace your tires? In most states in the U.S., tires are required to have a minimum tread depth of 2/32” to meet safety standards. If your tires are close to or below this threshold, it's time to get new tires.

SEASONAL CHANGE OVER

Depending on where you live, it may be worth changing tires as the seasons shift. In areas with harsh winters, switching out all-season tires or summer tires for winter tires during colder weather can help your vehicle perform better and help keep you safe on the road.

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HOW & WHERE: LEAVE YOUR TIRE CHANGE TO THE EXPERTS

You may be able to handle putting on a spare tire in a pinch, but we recommend leaving more permanent tire replacements to the professionals. That’s because changing tires is more than just swapping out the old for the new. New tires must be properly installed on your vehicle for even tread wear and need to be balanced for a safe and smooth ride. 

So when you’re ready to change your tires, we recommend coming to Tires Plus. You can trust us to handle your tire change or repair needs with precision and care, so you can safely get back on the road.

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