When to Replace Your Tires: 5 Signs It's Time
Tires wear out gradually, so it is easy to miss the point where they become unsafe. These are the signs to watch for.
1. Tread depth is 4/32" or less
New tires have roughly 10/32" to 11/32" of tread. Legal minimum in Virginia is 2/32", but wet-road braking gets noticeably worse below 4/32". Try the penny test: put a penny in the groove with Lincoln's head down. If you can see all of his head, you are at or below 2/32" and the tires need replacing now.
2. Tread wear bars are flush
Small raised bars sit inside the grooves. When the tread is level with them, the tire is worn out.
3. Cracks, bulges or bubbles
Cracking in the sidewall or a bulge means the internal structure is damaged. Replace the tire right away; bulges can lead to a blowout.
4. The tires are 6+ years old
Rubber ages even if the tread looks fine. Check the DOT code on the sidewall: the last four digits show the week and year made (for example, 2420 means week 24 of 2020). Most manufacturers recommend inspection after 6 years and replacement by 10.
5. Vibration, pulling or repeated pressure loss
These can point to uneven wear, alignment trouble or internal damage. A quick inspection can tell you whether it is the tire or something else.
Want us to look? Use our free Tread Scan at tread4life.com/tread-scan, or call (571) 402-8698.