When it comes to road safety, the condition of your tires is all important. As the only point of your car in direct contact with the road, your tires need to handle a great deal of pressure while maintaining firm traction on all surfaces, at all speeds. So if you ever experience one of the following issues, visit your local Ford dealership right away for new tires.
Treads Too Shallow for Safe Driving
When the treads of your tires near 2/32 of an inch, the legal minimum in most states including Illinois, it’s time for replacements. It’s a good idea to check the depths of your tire treads each time you check the air pressure. That way, you’ll also notice uneven tread wear, which usually means you need to rotate your tires. You can do this with the “Abe” test. Put a penny into your tire, head down, and if you see the top of Abe’s head, your tread is too low!
Bubbles, Bulges, or Blisters in the Rubber
If one of your tires suddenly sports a strange bulge, bubble, or blister, it probably needs to go. External bulges often indicate serious internal damage caused by a heavy knock against a curb or pothole. When the internal tubing ruptures, air can escape and become trapped under the outer layer of rubber, forming a bulge.
Cracks, Cuts, or Embedded Objects
With most tires, tiny cracks appear in the sidewalls over time as the rubber steadily dries out. These cracks become hazardous when they grow noticeably deeper and longer. Deep cuts anywhere on a tire might also mean it’s no longer safe to drive on.
Likewise, embedded objects should be removed to see how deeply the tire has been punctured. Ask a technician to diagnose the severity of any such damage.
Mysteriously Dropping Air Pressure
If your car’s automatic air pressure monitor indicates that one of your tires is continuously losing pressure, you’ll probably need to have that tire replaced. Inexplicable air loss may point to a hidden puncture or some other fault with your tire, air valve, or wheel rim.
Odd Vibrations or Road Noise
When tires become excessively uneven or damaged, you’re likely to notice strange vibrations, especially when driving at higher speeds. You may also hear a change in the quality of road noise. Always trust your senses in this matter, and ask a technician to check your tires.
Rotate Your Tires Twice a Year or More
One of the most important tire maintenance services is to have tires rotated twice a year. This evens out tire wear and keeps your tires in great shape for longer. It also gives the technicians a chance to inspect your tires for potential problems that might be causing your tires to wear unevenly.
Have your car tires rotated or replaced today at Auffenberg Ford Belleville in Belleville, IL. We’re a local full-service dealership offering a one-stop shop for all your vehicle-related needs, whatever they may be.
Connect with us
