Knowing the health of your tires is integral in ensuring your safety on the road. Effective steering, accelerating, and braking all rely on your car’s tires. Fortunately, there are some simple ways to inspect your tires to tell whether you need professional repairs. Here are four methods you can try right away. 

How to Inspect Your Tires

1. Check for Wear & Tear

Check your tires for signs of wear and tear. This often results from improper levels of inflation. Too much air pressure can cause the middle section of the tire to come in contact with the road, wearing out the edges. Without enough air, the tire’s edges will meet the road and cause the center to tear. If you notice unusual vibrations when driving, or if your car pulls to one side, your tires may be worn out. 

2. Inspect Tread Integrity

Inspect your treads once a month. Too much wear can make traction on wet roads difficult. A simple way to check tire tread is by inserting a penny into a tread groove with the head facing down. If you can see the top of Lincoln’s head, the tread is already worn. 

3. Check the Sidewalls for Abnormalities

Feel your tires’ sidewalls and look for bulges or bubbles. These indicate that the internal frame of the tire has been damaged and cracked, letting air pressure escape to the outer layers of the tire. Tires with sidewall bulges should be replaced immediately, regardless of the condition of the tread. 

4. Inspect for Dry Rot

Tiny cracks all over your tire may indicate the presence of dry rot. These cracks can affect your car’s handling regardless of the tread’s condition. It’s best to inspect for dry rot is before longer trips and during hotter times of the year. If your tires show signs of dry rot, have them replaced as soon as possible. 

Never overlook the health of your tires. Brothers Tire Sales offers the services you need to make this easier. For more than 50 years, they’ve provided drivers in Kannapolis, NC, with expert auto services, from wheel alignments and tire service to vehicle inspections. Contact them at (704) 933-2203 to request a quote or visit their website to learn more about their services.