Going into winter, I’m always reminded of winter vehicle prep. I try to think about all the things my vehicle will need ahead of time so that I’m not caught off guard with bad weather or poor road conditions.
This post is part of a sponsored automotive series. All opinions are mine.
One of the most important things to think about when we’re headed into winter here is your vehicle’s tires. If you haven’t checked them lately, now is a great time to do so. Not sure how to tell if you need to take action? Here are some tips from the pros at this Colorado GMC dealer.
How to Check Your Tires
First off, let’s talk about how to check your tires for wear. There’s a really simple test you can run using just a penny! You will place Mr. Lincoln head first into the first few treads of your tire. If the tread reaches or surpasses Lincoln’s hair, your tread is good. If your tread doesn’t quite make it to his hair, odds are that you’re going to need some new tires.
It’s recommended that you check your tires at least once a month or every 3,000 miles. A good habit to get into is when you are getting your oil changed, also check your tires.
The Importance of Tire Condition
Regardless of where your tread or condition might be at, most manufacturers recommend changing your tires at least every 10 years. Not keeping up with the condition of your tires means you’re more exposed to driving with unsafe equipment, doing yourself a disservice when driving in bad road conditions, and poor tire condition can also wear on other parts of your vehicle too. Not only all of this, but you’ll definitely notice your vehicle riding rougher when your tires need to be changed.
Other Signs You Need New Tires
The above items set aside, there are also other signs to watch for with your vehicle when it’s in need of new tires. Just by glancing at your tires, you might notice an uneven tread, damaged areas, bulges or cracks on the sides of your tires, or even excessive vibration while driving down the road.
Any of these signs are indications you are probably in the market for some new tires. Don’t put it off until it’s too late, you’ll be glad you took care of your tires before the season changes.
Happy driving!
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