Tire issues are one of the leading reasons for motorists to be stranded on the roadside. In some cases, tire emergencies cannot be prevented. However, worn down or old tires are more likely to give way at any given moment. At Pantusa Towing, we want to help you avoid roadside emergencies whenever possible. There are some facts you should know about your tires so you can make wise maintenance choices for your vehicle:
1. There is Not an Exact Lifespan on Tires—On the average car, tires will last for 35,000-60,000 miles. The life of your tires is dependent on many factors, such as tire quality, maintenance, driver habits, terrain, climate, road conditions, etc. Even if your tire has not blown out, it can be an accident waiting to happen if it has worn down. If your tires are more than 6-10 years old, you will probably need to replace them due to the factors mentioned though.
2. You Should Be Looking for Signs of Wear and Tear—On all tires made in the USA, there are tread wear bars. This addition is to help motorists know when their tires need replacement. When these small raised grooves are flush with the tire’s tread, your tires must be replaced. A worn down tire can lead to your car sliding with inclement weather or blowing out a tire, which could cause damage to your car and leave you on the roadside. Another test for your tire quality is called the penny test. If you stick Lincoln’s head in your tire tread and you can see his whole head, you need to replace your tires. When at least his forehead is covered or more, your tread should be fine.
3. A Regular Visit to Your Tire Shop Could Prevent a Roadside Emergency—When you have a knowledgeable and honest mechanic, you can trust that they will be looking out for your safety on the road. If you have your tires rotated every 6 months, your tires will get equal wear and your mechanic can keep an eye on your tire quality long-term. Replacing a tire may be expensive but delaying on tire replacement can compromise your safety and could lead to a costly repair and a towing bill from getting stuck on the highway. Being proactive will keep you safer and protect your car.
If you have a tire emergency, the Pantusa Towing team is standing by to help 24/7. We will support you through your challenging moment and get your car safely to your mechanic.