How to Inspect Your Tires Yourself

Your car’s tires are one of the most crucial components of the safety performance of your vehicle. Tires are your vehicle’s connection to the road. They help you to accelerate, brake, and keep your car under control. A good set of tires can make the difference between a safe, smooth ride and a dangerous vehicle on the road. 

Having bad tires can wear out your vehicle faster and reduce gas mileage by requiring more effort to do its job. Faulty tires can also cause other problems with your car. Wheel alignment, suspension, tire balancing, and brakes can all be affected by the condition of your tires.

Why Tire Inspections Are Important

Tire failure can be catastrophic. According to recent studies, an estimated 11,000 car crashes per year are caused by tire failure, likely as a result of worn-out tire tread or under-inflated tires. Taking time to properly care for your vehicle with routine tire inspections is important. You should perform a tire inspection at least once a month and more regularly if you live in a colder climate, drive long distances often, or drive over bumpy roads. 

The Tire Safety Inspection Process

Check Tread Depth

The correct tread depth of your tires ensures you have enough traction to grip the road. Doing a penny test by placing a penny upside down in your tread is a simple way to test your tread depth. If you can see the top of Lincoln’s head, it may be time for new tires. Worn out tread makes your vehicle unsafe and can also keep it from handling as well as it should. Tread wear indicator bars are also molded into the tires to help you keep track of your tire wear. If the tread wear bar is flush with the ribs of the tire, you need new tires.

Check Tire Pressure

Use a tire pressure gauge to make sure your tires are properly inflated. The ideal pressure for your vehicle’s tires can be found inside the driver’s side door of your vehicle or your owner’s manual. Maintaining the correct tire pressure keeps you safer on the road. Be sure to check every tire to make sure they are all inflated to the correct PSI. 

Check the Sidewalls

Examine the sidewalls of your tires for bulges, cracking, scrapes, and gouges. Cracking happens when the rubber on your tires begins to degrade from exposure and normal wear. Bulges and cracks could mean that tire failure is imminent, and it’s time to replace your tires.

Wheel alignment, tire rotation, and tire balancing are also important for your tires to be effective. Also, keep an eye on your tires’ age. Your tires can last for up to four to five years when maintained properly. Keeping your tires maintained is not only quick and easy, but keeps you safe and can save you money. 

Get In Touch

Visit Postle Tire Barn to assess your tires and ensure your safety and your vehicle’s longevity. If your tires are worn or out of commission, so is your car. If your tires show any signs of wear or damage, have them professionally inspected by our technicians to see if you need to have them repaired or replaced.

Postle Tire Barn has served the tire and automotive needs of West Alabama for more than 40 years. We are a family owned and operated business. We specialize in new and used tires, brake diagnosis and repair, front end and suspension repair, as well as wheel repair and refinishing. We are located on Jug Factory Road in Tuscaloosa behind McDonalds. inspect your tires yourself inspect your tires yourself inspect your tires yourself inspect your tires yourself inspect your tires yourself