Tips for Replacing Your Tires

When it comes to vehicle safety, your tires are extremely important. They’re the only part of your car that makes contact with the road, so keeping them in good condition is critical. Getting ready for a tire change or noticing wear? Knowing when and how to replace your tires keeps you safe and saves money.

Why Replacing Your Tires Matters

Worn or damaged tires don’t just affect performance; they’ll affect your safety too. Tires with little tread can’t grip the road properly, especially in rain, snow, or icy conditions. This increases your chances of hydroplaning, increases your stopping distance, and causes poor handling. Regularly checking your tire condition ensures your vehicle is ready for any season and terrain.

When to Replace Your Tires

Here are a few signs it’s time to replace your tires:

• Tread Depth: If your tread is less than 2/32 of an inch, it’s time for new tires. A quick way to check this is the toonie test. Insert a toonie into the tread with the polar bear standing upright. If the tread reaches the bear’s paws, your tires have lots of tread left. If it reaches all the way across the silver, they’re about 50% worn. But, if your tire tread reaches only about half-way into the letters, it’s time to shop for new tires. For an accurate measurement, you can buy a tread depth gauge that will tell you exactly what amount of tread you have.
• Cracks or Bulges: Visible cracks or damage on the sidewall of your tire are signs that they are aging. Furthermore, a bulge in the tire can mean internal damage. If you notice either of these on your tire, it’s important to get a new set of tires as soon as possible.
• Uneven Wear: If you notice that one side of the tire is wearing faster than the other, it could signal alignment issues. Severe uneven wear may require you to replace your tires, so it’s important to get them inspected at your local Trail Tire immediately.
• Age: Even if the tread looks okay, tires over six years old may be unsafe due to rubber breakdown. You can check the sidewall of your tire for the DOT code. The last four digits of this code indicate the manufacturing date of your tire. The first two digits show the week of the year and the last two show the year the tire was made.

If you’re not sure if it’s time to replace your tires, you can come into Trail Tire, and our tire experts will perform a tire inspection to determine the life of your tires.

When To Do a Tire Changeover

If you have summer or all-season tires and winter tires, then you should perform tire changeovers in the spring and fall. You should have your all-season or summer tires installed in the spring and your winter tires installed in the fall.

How a Tire Changeover Works

A tire changeover involves removing your current set of tires and replacing them with another set. During this process, a tire technician will:

• Remove the old tires from your vehicle.
• Inspect the wheels, rims, and tire pressure monitoring system.
• Mount and balance your new tires.
• Ensure proper torque when re-installing wheels.
• Tire Maintenance Tips to Extend Their Life

Tire Maintenance Tips

Replacing tires can be costly, so proper maintenance is key. Here are some tips to get the most out of every tire changeover:

• Check tire pressure monthly: Under-inflated or over-inflated tires wear unevenly and reduce fuel efficiency, so it’s important to check your tire pressure regularly.
• Rotate tires regularly: Rotating your tires every 8,000–10,000km helps them wear evenly.
• Wheel alignment: Misaligned wheels can quickly wear out your tires. Have your alignment checked annually.
• Balance tires: Proper balancing prevents vibrations and uneven tread wear.
• Seasonal storage: If you use winter tires, store your off-season set in a cool, dry place or use a tire storage service to protect them.

Final Thoughts

A proper tire changeover improves how your vehicle drives, and it also keeps you safe on the road. In addition, knowing when to replace your tires and how to take care of them helps you stay confident behind the wheel. As a result, you can save money by making your tires last longer. Finally, if you are not sure about the condition of your tires, it’s a good idea to book an inspection at your local Trail Tire.