A 2019 study shows that 35% of vehicular incidents are tire-related. This percentage is only rising as each year passes. Unfortunately, many drivers often disregard the idea of tire maintenance until they have to make sudden brakes.
Prevention is the best cure, so add truck tires to the list of vehicle maintenance now. Read on to learn the tell-tale signs of tire replacement.
Changing Your Truck Tires: Why You Need to Replace Them
Getting a tire replacement for your truck’s old tires is essential for your safety on the road. Knowing your truck tires’ condition will help you know if it’s time to chuck the old ones and get yourself a set. Here are some of the causes that can lead you to need new truck tires.
Tire Wear
One of the inevitable things that all tires go through is wearing. Tire wear can be a good sign of an issue with your tire’s alignment and pressure. This often happens when there’s even wear across the whole tire instead of either inside or outside the tire.
Keep in mind that tires wear out no matter how good of a driver you are. This also includes other factors like the weather, road conditions, and other road hazards.
Worn tires lose their grip. This results in the possibility of you skidding off the road. There’s also a higher chance of your tires getting damaged or blowing up while you’re driving.
Poor Maintenance
The only way your tires can last until the end of their warranty is when they get proper maintenance. If you’re not adding your tires to your regular car check, then your tire’s lifespan is shorter than you expect.
Poor car maintenance will lead you to get a tire replacement more often. This causes a huge dent in your savings every month or so.
Incorrect Tire Pressure
Wrong pressure on your tires can also lead to you buying new truck tires. When your tires’ air pressure gets too high or too low, they become more prone to damage and cause blowouts. Aside from that, the temperature change can also affect your tire’s air pressure.
Knowing what causes and when to replace a tire isn’t only about taking good care of your truck. This prevents expensive mistakes and safeguards your tires from any car-related accidents.
It’s’ best that you get someone who knows a lot about truck tires. Companies like Ozzytyres.com.au specialize in all things tire-related and can help you find truck tires that will last.
Signs That Your Truck Tires Need Replacing
An inexperienced driver may not always know when to replace their tires as the signs can be subtle. However, knowing how to look for the signs can give you a headstart on replacements. Here are some signs that you need to replace your truck tires immediately.
Measuring Tire Tread
One of the best ways to know if you need a tire replacement is by measuring your tire tread. The penny test works by taking a penny and inserting it into your tire’s centermost read grooves.
Keep in mind that the top part of the coin points down towards your tire. When the tread only reaches the top quarter side without covering any, the tread is low. This already means that you need to replace your tires.
Sidewall Bubbles or Bulges
Bubbles or bulges in the sidewall of your tire are a sure sign to get a tire replacement immediately. Bulges or bubbles mean that the innermost layer of your tire failed, and the air is escaping into the outer part of the tire. When this happens, the chances of your tires exploding are very high.
A bulge often signifies that your tires’ rigid internal frame is now damaged. Bulges allow air pressure to reach the flexible outer layers of your tires and can blow up any time.
Tire Pressure Warning
Many modern cars and trucks have a feature that alerts you on the dashboard about low tire pressure. When you see this warning, make sure to check your tire’s air pressure. It’s also best if you do regular checkups on the pressure of your tires or as instructed by your mechanic.
This car feature can also help you identify a flat tire. When you notice that there’s the consistent low air pressure in one of your tires, the chances are that tire is flat. Take your truck to the nearest tire shop and have it inspected.
You Can’t Patch Your Flat Tire
You can get a lot of your tire punctures patched up after a visit to your trusted car shop. But some punctures can be too severe and may need to get replaced. One good example is the large gashes on your tire’s tread area.
Has your car checked with a trusted professional to see which tire is okay and which one needs a replacement?
Your Tires Are Too Old
If the tread of your other tires gets worn down to a certain degree, this is a tell-tale sign of tire replacement. Driving on tires that have different tread depths can put you and other drivers at risk. To prevent this, ensure to replace all your old tires at the same time.
You may also opt to replace one or two of your tires. But this means you may need to shave down the tread of your new tires to match the depth of the remaining two or three.
How to Know When It’s’ Time to Replace Your Truck Tires
Despite following road protocols and being a good driver, you can still get into a road accident because of your tires. Knowing when it’s’ time to replace your truck tires will help you avoid this. This helps you avoid expensive costs and repairs.
