Tires are one of the most important components of your car or motorcycle. Your car relies on them for traction and stability while driving. This makes it important to inspect your tires regularly and assess their condition in order to see if they need to be replaced or repaired.
Measure The Tread
Your tires need to have enough tread to be able to grip the road well. The treads on your tire make it better to handle the steering in tough road conditions. You can check the tread by performing a simple test known as the penny test.
How Do You Perform The Penny Test?
All you need to perform this test is a 20p coin. Place the coin in between the main grooves of the tire and measure the depth of the tread. If the rim of the coin – the one with ‘Twenty Pence’ written on it – disappears, then your tires seem to have enough tread depth. Just make sure to do the penny test in at least three different places along with the tire.
Check The Tire Pressure
The pressure in your tires fluctuates with changing roads and temperatures. This can be a risk while driving. The easiest way to check tire pressure is by using a pressure gauge. To check whether your tires are inflated well, you will need to take off the valve stem cap and then properly place the gauge head on it. By pressing the gauge firmly, you can stop the hissing sound. Once the sound has stopped, you can pick up the gauge and check the meter for tire pressure. This value can be compared to the recommended tire pressure for your vehicle, specifically.
Check For Exterior Damage
One of the first steps to evaluate the conditions of your tires should be to examine the sidewalls and tread of your tires. Check for any bulges, cuts, scrapes, cracks or punctures. Take your vehicle to an authorized tire repair shop and have them properly inspected, in case you notice any damage to the exteriors.
Know The Age Of The Tires
According to industry standards, a set of tires should be replaced after around 10 to 12 years from the date of manufacturing. Your tires might have enough tread depth and appear to be in good condition, but knowing the age of your tires can help you evaluate their condition better.
Don’t Delay
The penny test delivers on what it promises – indicate whether the tread has reached its limit. However, it may not always be the best indicator to know whether your tires are safe or not. If you think your tires need a proper check, make sure you don’t delay visiting a repair shop.
A quick thorough check of your tires every month is recommended. This can help you save a lot of money and time down the road. Keeping the tires regularly checked can help boost the performance of your car and deliver a safe ride.