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5 Signs Your Car Tires Need Immediate Care

As a responsible driver, it’s up to you to make sure you remain safe on the road. However, driving safely isn’t just about fastening your seatbelt and following road rules—your tires play a huge role, too! If you’ve noticed some odd things about how your car is handling, it might be time to give your tires some love. Here are five signs your tires need immediate care.

1. Uneven Tread Wear

Always check your tires to see if one side looks like it’s been working overtime. This kind of uneven tread wear is your tire’s way of waving a red flag. Excessive wear on the inner or outer edges can indicate a variety of issues.

Luckily, a simple tire rotation can usually help even things out. Knowing when and how to get your tires rotated is the key to making your tires last, but be sure to have a professional look at them to ensure there’s not a deeper issue causing the uneven wear.

2. Visible Tire Damage

Your tires have probably been through a lot—potholes, curb bumps, maybe even the occasional nail in the road. If you can spot cracks, bulges, or cuts on the tire’s sidewalls, that’s a big no-go for safe driving.

Keep an eye out for embedded nails or sharp objects that could lead to leaks or blowouts. If you’re unsure, grab your phone, snap a pic of the tire damage, and show it to your mechanic. 

3. Low Tread Depth

Do you know the “penny test”? Take a penny and insert it into your tire’s tread groove with Lincoln’s head facing down. If Honest Abe’s head is fully visible, your tread depth is dangerously low. Low tread depth means your tires are very worn out, which reduces grip on the road, especially in wet conditions.

That’s why checking your tread depth is one of many general car maintenance routines all drivers should know if they want to stay safe on the road. To ensure the safety of yourself and others, aim for a tread depth of at least 2/32 of an inch, and be sure to replace your tires if they’re ever below this level.

4. Vibrations While Driving

Does it feel like your car’s having a mini dance party while you’re driving down a smooth road? This is a clear sign your tires need attention because they’re either unbalanced or your car’s suspension or alignment needs adjustment.

It’s tempting to just crank up the radio and ignore it, but that shaky ride can lead to uneven tire wear or permanent vehicle damage. Schedule a check-up with a professional and get your tires balanced before things get worse.

5. Increased Fuel Consumption

Finally, if you’ve been taking more trips to the gas station lately, your tires could be to blame! Underinflated or poorly maintained tires create more rolling resistance, which means your car has to use more fuel to keep moving.

Keep things simple by regularly checking your tire pressure with a handy gauge, or head to a gas station with a pressure pump for a quick reading. Properly inflated tires not only save you money on fuel but also help your tires last longer—it’s a win-win!