Your tires are the only part of your vehicle that make direct contact with the road surface, so their condition is critical for your safety. Tires don't last forever - they wear down over time and eventually need to be replaced. But how can you tell if your tires are nearing the end of their serviceable life? Tom Hesser Nissan, your trusted Nissan dealership in Dunmore, PA, is here to help you recognize the signs that it's time for new tires.
Visual Inspection
One of the easiest ways to assess your tires' condition is to give them a thorough visual inspection. Check the sidewalls for any cracks, cuts, bulges or blisters, which can indicate internal damage and increase the risk of a blowout. Inspect the tread area for uneven wear, such as scalloping or cupping, which may signal a need for wheel alignment or suspension repairs.
Tread Depth Check
Adequate tread depth is essential for maintaining traction on wet or slippery roads. Tires have built-in tread wear indicators, which are raised bars that run perpendicular to the tread pattern. If the tread has worn down to be flush with these bars, that means the tread depth is 2/32" or less and the tire needs immediate replacement.
You can also use a penny to check your tire tread depth. Insert the penny upside down into a tread groove, with Lincoln's head facing you. If you can see the top of Lincoln's head, your tread depth is less than 2/32-inch and it's time to replace the tire. Scranton area drivers can stop by Tom Hesser Nissan anytime for a quick tread check.
Tire Age
Even if the tire tread looks okay, the rubber compound degrades over time due to exposure to heat, UV rays, and environmental factors. Vehicle manufacturers typically recommend replacing tires that are 6-10 years old, regardless of apparent condition. This is because an old tire can fail unexpectedly, even if it hasn't reached its tread wear limit.
You can determine a tire's age by looking at the DOT code on the sidewall. The last four digits indicate the week and year of manufacture. For example, a tire with a DOT code ending in "4217" was made in the 42nd week of 2017. If you're unsure how old your tires are, visit Tom Hesser Nissan for assistance.
Vibration While Driving
If you experience unusual vibration through the steering wheel, floorboard or seat while driving, it may indicate an internal tire problem, likely from impact damage or uneven wear. Continuing to drive on a damaged tire is unsafe as it could lead to a blowout or loss of vehicle control. If you live near Wilkes-Barre and notice concerning vibration, contact Tom Hesser Nissan for a thorough vehicle inspection.
Trust the Tire Experts at Tom Hesser Nissan
Proper tire maintenance, including regular rotations, balancing, and wheel alignments, can help your tires wear evenly and last longer. However, tires do have a finite service life and must be replaced in a timely manner for your safety. Tom Hesser Nissan is committed to helping you get the most miles out of your tires while keeping your drives safe around Dunmore, PA.