Tire Replacement: When and Why Should You Replace Tires?

Why should you replace tires at regular intervals? Because it provides the right grip and traction, letting you ride safely on any type of road. However, people often neglect the maintenance part and notice only when stuck in the middle of the road. To be a car enthusiast or one who does not do proper tire maintenance, one should be well aware of when and how often tires should be replaced.

Irregular maintenance of tires leads to thinning of the treads and, finally, a blowout or sketchy grip that could cause a serious accident. Based on several factors such as tire depth, tire age, tread wear, and the changing climate, tires should be changed often.

What Are the Factors to Consider When Replacing Tires?

When it comes to replacing tires, one ought to check certain factors to confirm that they are replacing tires at the right time and getting a perfect set that will last longer. Following are some of the factors to check for in old tires when replacing them:

• Tire Tread Depth 

Tire treads are ridges and grooves on the circumference of tires that make direct contact with the ground to offer a smooth and seamless ride. Based on how often you go for long rides and the types of roads, tire treads wear out in due time. The new tire depth depends on size, and category & varies from 7-18mm.

Over time and usage, this ratio could be reduced to 2/32nd of an inch, which is considered dangerous and risky. Hence, the first and foremost thing to check for when replacing tires is tread depth.

Tread depths can be measured in three simple ways, such as:

• Tire Tread Gauges

Tire tread gauges are one of the cheaper tools that let you measure tire tread depth with great accuracy and precision. The tool will let you measure tread depth up to 30 seconds of an inch.

• Tread Wear Indicators (TWI)

Tire wear indicators are mostly built into the tires, such that they are evenly spaced and raised on new tires. In time, tread depth will be reduced and reach the same height as these indicators, indicating that it’s time to replace your tires.

• Tire Age

It is best advised to change tires within 5 years from the date of production.

Refer to our guide on car tire type

• Excessive Vibration

Worn-out tires make tire surfaces uneven, reducing the smoothness of your ride. The result of these unevenly spaced grooves or ridges on the tire surface is excessive vibration. Excessive vibrations are one of the most significant signs that show it is high time to replace your tires. 

• Poor Handling or Traction

Tire treads directly come into contact with the ground, providing the right grip and traction while traveling across. Thinning of tire treads eventually affects the traction and hence causes poor handling, especially when riding through hillsides.

What Are the Consequences of Not Replacing Worn-Out Tires?

Are you still running on your old worn-out tires? Then it is high time to change them because worn-out tires could lead to serious accidents and tire blowouts. On experiencing the above-mentioned signs and factors, tires ought to be changed sooner. 

The consequences of using these worn-out tires include:

• Reduced traction, and hence less comfort

• Worn-out tires increase stopping distance

• It eventually affects the fuel efficiency of your vehicle

• Aged tires are prone to blowouts, thus causing serious accidents

Overall, using worn-out or aged tires risks the overall safety of your vehicle and your life when going for a long or adventurous ride.

How to Ensure Your Vehicle’s Tires Last Longer?

To ensure a safe ride anywhere at any time, tires must be maintained and replaced whenever required. You can make use of the following tips;

• Have a monthly tire air pressure checkup.
• Ensure proper wheel balancing & alignment for your vehicle.
• Choose suitable tires for your vehicle. 
• Have your tire rotated at 6000 km or 6 monthly intervals.

Are you in search of a suitable auto garage in Kuwait? Then check out AlMailem auto garage for fast and reliable automobile services. Also, we provide a wide variety of tires online from premium brands suitable for your vehicles.