Nov 28, 2023

When your tires are worn down or damaged, it affects your car’s steering and braking ability and increases the risk of a blowout. This can ultimately lead to an accident, so keeping your tires in good condition is vital. To ensure your safety, below are ways to determine when you need new tires from your Ford dealer.

Age

Typically, a set of tires can last up to six years. However, it’s important to note that the rubber deteriorates with age due to environmental factors. As a result, even if your tires appear to be in good condition, there may still be underlying damage. One of the best ways to estimate the remaining life of your tires is by checking their manufacturing date.

You can determine the age of your tires by finding the tire identification numbers on the sidewalls. This number starts with “DOT,” followed by a series of numbers. The last four numbers indicate the week and year of manufacture, respectively.

Wear

It’s important to check the tread depth and wear patterns on your tires at least once a month. The wear indicators in the rubber become visible and make a noise when your tread is worn. According to the guidelines set by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), it’s best to replace tires if the tread depth reaches 2/32 inches, as they are considered unsafe.

Another way to tell it’s time to replace your tires is uneven tread wear. If you notice that the tread wear indicators are visible in some areas of the tire but not others, or if you see spots where wear appears different from those in other areas, you should get a new set of tires.

Damage

Examine each tire on your car regularly for signs of damage. Check for any cracks, cuts, or blisters on the sidewalls of each tire. Sidewall damage is usually caused by driving over debris on the road. Structural damage is a safety risk and can cause a blowout. 

Vibrations

When you’re driving, paying attention to your vehicle’s performance is crucial because you will often feel it when something is wrong with your tires. If you sense vibrations, it might indicate a damaged tire. Having your technician check it out as soon as possible is always better to keep you safe while driving. 
The tires on your Ford play a critical part in keeping you safe behind the wheel. You need to replace your tires if they are old, worn, or damaged beyond repair. If your tires need replacing, stop at Gates Ford Lincoln today for a set of new rubber, and the tire specialists will help you find the perfect tires for your vehicle.