Find the Right Rims for Your Ride
Dec 27, 2023
Tires are the only connection between your vehicle and the road. Therefore, they must be first in good condition to ensure safety and performance.
But how do you know if your tires are worn or damaged and when to replace them?
In this guide, you will learn how to check the condition of your tires and how to avoid potential problems.
RECOGNIZING WORN TIRES
Tread depth is an important indicator of tire wear. The lower the tread depth, the worse the grip on wet or slippery roads. It also increases the risk of aquaplaning, or the tire floating on a surface of water. The legal minimum tread depth for summer and winter tires in Germany is 1.6 mm. However, experts recommend changing tires sooner: at least 3 mm for summer tires and 4 mm for winter tires.
There are several ways to measure tread depth. The simplest is to look at the tread wear indicators in the tread grooves. These are small bumps that are 1.6 mm high. If the tread is flush with the wear indicators, the tire has reached its minimum tread depth and needs to be replaced. Another method is to insert a one-euro coin into the tread groove. If the gold edge of the coin is visible, the tread depth is less than 3 mm and the tire should be replaced soon.
In addition to tread depth, you should also consider the age of your tires. Tire life depends on various factors, including driving style, stress, storage, and maintenance. On average, tires last about six years, after which they can become brittle or porous. Manufacturers recommend replacing tires after ten years, even if they are not worn out.
To determine the age of your tires, you can read the DOT number on the tire sidewall. The DOT number is a four-digit number that indicates the date the tire was manufactured. The first two digits represent the week of manufacture and the last two digits represent the year of manufacture. For example, a DOT number of 2219 means the tire was manufactured in the 22nd week of 2019.
RECOGNIZING DAMAGED TIRES
In addition to wear and tear, other factors can cause tire damage. These include:
You should check your tires regularly for signs of damage, such as cracks, bulges, cuts, or blisters. If you notice any of these signs, you should have the affected tire replaced immediately.
WHEN TO REPLACE YOUR TIRES
The life of your tires depends on many factors, including driving style, load, storage, and care. On average, tires last about six years, after which they may become brittle or porous. Manufacturers recommend replacing your tires after ten years at the latest, even if they are not worn out.
In addition to age and wear, there are other reasons why tires may need to be replaced. These include:
CONCLUSION
Tires are an important part of your vehicle and should be checked and maintained regularly. You should pay attention to wear indicators and inspect the tires for visible damage to detect worn or damaged tires.
Maintain the correct inflation pressure, remove foreign objects, avoid obstacles, and have your tyres properly fitted and stored to avoid tire damage. To ensure safe driving, you should change your tyres according to the season, vehicle type and condition.