Do You Need New Tires?

The unpredictable winter weather here in the Bluegrass can lead to tricky driving conditions. Whether it’s snow, ice, slush or rain, the season surprises us without much warning. When the weather hits, you want to make sure you can safely control your car, which means you need tires in good condition.

How do you know if you need new tires? We have three tips for figuring it out:

1. Check your tread depth using a penny

Your tire tread shouldn’t fall below 1/16th of an inch—at that point, it’s dangerously worn down and won’t give you the grip you need. There’s a simple way to check your tread levels: grab a penny and insert it into the tread of your tires with Lincoln’s head down. If you can still see his entire head, it’s time to get new tires.

2. Look for tire wear indicator bars

Many new tires have built-in indicators which become visible when your tires are getting worn down. Look for flat rubber bars running perpendicular to the direction of the tread—if you can see them, it’s a sign that you’re due for a refresh.

3. Pay attention to vibration

If your vehicle is shaking, rattling or vibrating more than normal when you’re driving on your usual routes, that’s a sign that something’s off. It may be your tires, your wheels, your alignment or something more serious—regardless, unexplained vibrations are a sign that it’s time to bring your vehicle in for a check-up.

If you think your vehicle is due for new tires, come visit our service department. They’ll do an in-depth check and can replace your tires quickly so you can get back on the road safely. Make an appointment online or come see us anytime at Paul Miller Ford Service. Interested in our current tire specials? Check them out here. You (and your vehicle) will be glad you did!