When you evaluate the condition of the tire, you should check its age and level of use. If you drive the car each day, it may travel 15,000 miles each year. This puts a lot of pressure on the tires. Tires will deteriorate over time after prolonged use and they will wear out. Even if tires are rarely used, it will become aged. Rubber compound is made from organic substances and their will degrade over time. As an example, if you have a spare tire that you never use for 10 years, then it needs to be replaced. The life of tires can be shortened by various factors, such coastal climate and sunlight exposure. In fact, if tires are rarely used and they remain stationary, its overall useful age can be reduced as well. Tires need to be rotated, so the weight of the car isn’t focused only a specific spot of the tire for too long.
Unfortunately, you can’t tell the condition of the tire by only looking at it. You should keep the receipt when you purchase a new set of tires. So, when it’s already six years, you need to immediately replace them, although they are still in good condition. Time will change the composition in rubber compounds. Modern production of tires use oil and the oil content will slowly migrate under the tread. Eventually, some of the oil will evaporate into the air. As the rubber loses some amount of oil, it will become harder and less flexible. This is the reason why new tires in stores have oily smell. The best way to determine the remaining usability of the tire is to check its tread. The tread is needed to drain water from the point of contact with the road, so the tire won’t hydroplane and lose its traction.
Penny test is a good way to check the tread of the tire. Place the penny into the tread at the thickest part of the tire. If Lincoln’s hair is almost visible, then it’s time to shop for tires. If the very top of Lincoln’s head is clearly visible, then these tires need to be replaced quickly. It’s even better if you use a gauge or tread depth indicator. It is a better measurement to determine the tread of your tire. Tread gauge is affordable and you can obtain it from any auto parts dealer in your city. You should know about the legal requirements in your area to know when the tread should be replaced immediately. Following rules is important, so you can ensure your own safety. Check the tire for irregular tread wear, which may indicate misalignment. Worn suspension parts could also shorten the life of the tire dramatically.
Check the sidewall for any abnormal bulge. If the internal frame of the tire is already damaged, a sidewall bulge may appear. Structural damage could happen when you drive over a curb or through a large pothole. It is dangerous if you continue driving with tires that have sidewall bulge, because a blowout will eventually happen.