Signs You Need New Tires: How to Tell When It’s Time for a Replacement

Your vehicle’s tires are its only contact with the road—so when they start to wear out, your safety, performance, and fuel efficiency can take a serious hit. Knowing when to replace your tires isn’t just about age or mileage; it’s about recognizing the warning signs before it’s too late.

In this post, we’ll walk you through the most common indicators that it might be time to invest in a new set of tires.

1. Tread Wear: The Penny Test and Tread Depth

The tread on your tires gives you traction, especially in rain or snow. Over time, that tread wears down. One easy way to check is with the penny test:

• Insert a penny into your tire’s tread groove with Lincoln’s head facing down.
• If you can see the top of Lincoln’s head, your tread is too worn—and it’s time for new tires.

A more precise method is to check your tread depth with a gauge. The legal minimum in most regions is 2/32 of an inch, but for optimal safety, consider replacing them once they reach 4/32″ or less.

2. Cracks and Bulges in the Sidewall

Your tire’s sidewall can show visual signs of damage that indicate a serious problem. Watch out for:

• Cracks or cuts in the rubber
• Bulges or blisters forming on the outer surface

These symptoms can be signs of internal tire failure. If you spot them, don’t wait—get the tire replaced immediately to avoid a blowout.

3. Uneven Wear Patterns

Uneven tread wear isn’t just a tire problem—it’s often a sign of something else going on with your car, like poor alignment, unbalanced tires, or suspension issues.

Types of uneven wear to look out for:

• Center wear: Overinflation
• Edge wear: Underinflation
• Cupping/scalloping: Suspension or shock issues
• Feathering: Poor alignment

If you notice unusual wear, it’s best to visit a tire shop for an inspection and alignment check.

4. Vibration While Driving

A certain amount of vibration is normal when driving, especially on rough roads. But excessive or new vibration—especially if it increases with speed—can mean:

• Tire imbalance
• Internal tire damage
• Wheel alignment issues
• Worn suspension components

Vibration could also be a sign of tire separation, which is dangerous and requires immediate attention.

5. Age of the Tires

Even if your tires look fine, they may be past their prime. Most tire manufacturers recommend replacing tires every 6 to 10 years, regardless of tread wear. Heat, UV rays, and general wear break down rubber over time.

Check the sidewall for the DOT code—the last four digits show the week and year the tire was manufactured. (For example, “3219” means it was made in the 32nd week of 2019.)

6. Decreased Performance in Wet or Icy Conditions

If your car has started to skid or hydroplane more often in wet weather, your tires could be losing grip. As tread wears down, so does your traction—especially on slippery roads.

If you’ve noticed a change in how your car handles in rain or snow, your tires might be the culprit.

Final Thoughts

Your tires are your first line of defense on the road. By staying alert to these warning signs—tread wear, sidewall damage, uneven patterns, vibrations, tire age, and wet weather performance—you can catch problems early and avoid dangerous situations.

Need help checking your tires? Stop by our shop or book an inspection online. Our experts are here to keep you rolling safely!