tires-puyallup-waAre you noticing that your car is not acting like it normally does? Has your gas mileage decreased along with your confidence when you are maneuvering around corners? If you are unsure if it is time to seek a professional in tire sales, here are four indicators that you should make the call.

Pay Attention to the Feel of Your Car

Whether you have Goodyear tires or Dunlop tires, if your car starts to shake violently when you approach high speeds, then there is a good chance your tires are worn out. Christopher Lampton writes in his article “5 Warning Signs You Need New Tires” that you should expect some vibration when you are driving. After all, vibration is a natural by-product of mechanical friction. If your car is shaking too much, however, it could mean structural instability or the uneven inflation of your tires. The latter can point to a leak in one or more tires.

Tread Wear

If you have been driving your car for quite some time, then it is very likely that the treads have been worn down. Subsequently, this will reduce your ability to effectively maneuver around corners, brake the car, and implement other necessary driving functions. Angie’s List recommends sticking a penny into your treads to check their depth. If your penny goes in far enough so you cannot see Abraham Lincoln’s head, then your treads are sufficiently deep. If you can see Lincoln’s head, then your treads are approaching dangerous levels.

Cracked Rubber

Just like anything else, rubber naturally wears down. Exposure to the elements, like sunlight and snow, will speed along the erosion of the material. Tire Rack writes that some cracking on the tire is superficial and will have no impact on your safety. However, deeper cracks can lead to instability of the tire. This will lead to vibration and eventually a blow-out. Since this could happen while you are driving, it is better to be proactive and have the tires’ integrity checked by tire sales professionals.

The Seasons Change

If you live in San Francisco, then you can get through the year with the same set of tires. However, if you live in a place like Western New York, you may want to consider all terrain tires or snow tires depending on where you live. Alison Laskin of Driver Side writes that snow tires are made of special rubber that is resistant to cold temperatures. They also have far deeper treads than their all-weather counterparts. If you do not know how to change your own tires, consult a tire sales professional for your safety.

Knowing when to change your tires is key in ensuring your safety and that of your passengers while driving. If you have even the smallest inkling that your tires are unsafe, then you need to consult a professional who can check for you. Not only will this protect you, but it will also save you money in the long run.

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