1.) You Can See Washington’s Head – I know what you’re thinking. “I was taught that we should use a penny and look for the top of Lincoln’s head?” Well, if you do that, you are measuring down to 2/32 of an inch, which is really dangerous level to take your tires down to. The quarter gives you a full 4/32. So, take a quarter and stick it in the tread of one of your tires, with George’s head pointed down. If you can see the top of his head, it’s time for a fresh set.
2.) The Battle of the Bulge – If you look at your tires and see a blister, large or small, you have compromised the sidewall of the tire. That’s the part of the tire that provides the structural support and overall shape. It is NOT safe to drive on a tire with this condition. It can lead to a blowout when you’re driving and possibly cause you to lose control of your car.
3.) Your Tires Look Like the Mojave Desert – Just like we don’t keep the baby-soft skin we were born with, tires age and develop cracks (wrinkles?!) over time. It’s a normal part of the process and is sometimes called “dry rot.” It can be accelerated, though, with certain tire cleaning and dressing products. Some light surface cracking may be acceptable, but get your tires replaced if you notice any substantial cracking.
4.) Your Bars Are Showing – Modern day tires actually have little wear indicator bars built into them. They run perpendicular to the tread pattern and you really don’t notice them when your tires are brand new. When you notice the bars are flush with the tread of your tire, it’s time to replace them.
5.) Or Worse, Your Cords Are Showing – Unlike those sweet corduroy pants you’re rocking, cords showing on a tire are a bad thing. Very bad thing. It should go without saying, but have these replaced immediately.
6.) They’ve Flat Out Had It – Sometimes (but not always) a tire may need to be replaced after you have a flat. If the flat was due to a puncture, is around the middle of the tread and is properly repaired by a professional, you may be able to keep driving on it. However, if the damage was too close to the sidewall or you drove on it with very low tire pressure, the structure of the tire may be compromised and will need replacement.
7.) Your Car Bounces Down the Road But You’re Not In a Snoop Dogg Video – No, you just may have cupped tires, the culprit usually being something gone wrong in the suspension of car. Sometimes the condition can be corrected by a technician (balance, alignment, etc.), but if the condition has gone on too long, the tires are permanently worn and replacement is the only thing that will fix it (along with any other related components).
Granted, these aren’t the only reasons you might need new tires, but just a few of the ones we see most often.
As always, the professionals in the service and parts departments at Lexus of Milwaukee are here to help with all of your questions to keep your car running safely. You may also schedule service online for tire replacement at our Lexus dealership's service center.