When to replace your tires

Can you identify the signs that it might be time for new tires? We can help.

Eventually even the best tires reach the end of their mileage, or they need to be replaced due to age, a change in season or intended use. Here are some of the most common signs that it’s time to replace your tires.

Turn to the tire experts if you experience any of the following:

• Punctures, cuts or snags in your tire tread or sidewall
• Sudden loss of tire pressure
• The tire wear indicator is visible on your tire’s gauge
• Sudden vibration when driving
• Poor handling or traction on slippery surfaces
• Tire tread depth of less than 3/32" or tire treads that don't reach the top of Lincoln's head on an upside-down penny
• Excessively uneven or irregular wear patterns

Spotting uneven or irregular tire wear patterns

Some types of wear are the result of improper tire inflation and external factors. Your Quick Lane^® expert can point out unusual wear patterns on your tires and show you how to fix the problem or recommend replacements. Here are a few uneven wear patterns to watch out for:

Toe Wear
Out of alignment — thin inner or outer edge

Camber Wear
Out of alignment — exaggerated inner or outer edge wear

Center Wear
Overinflation — thin tread wear in center of tire

Edge Wear
Underinflation — thin tread wear along tire edges

Source: nhtsa.gov