Over time, the treads on your tires will wear down, and you'll want to keep an eye on them, so you can have an idea of when to swap them out for newer tires.
The good news is, there are multiple methods you can use to check the tread depth on tires, and Watermark Nissan of Marion is here to help our friends in family in Marion, Herrin, and Carbondale, IL, figure that out!
How Can I Check the Tread on My Tires?
Using one or more of these methods we're about to list is a sure-fire way to accurately check the tread depth on tires. One of the easiest ways to do this is to use a tire tread depth gauge. This is a professional tool that measures individual tire-groove depth.
Another way to check the tread on a tire is to use a tread-wear indicator or wear bar. You can find them evenly spaced within the tire tread, and if you see that they're level with the tread, that means the tire should be replaced.
Have you ever heard of the penny test? If you haven't, this can prove to be incredibly useful. Place a penny head into the main tread groove of your tire, and if you can see the top of the head, that means your tires should be replaced. If you don't see the top of the head, your tires are fine!Â
Why Should I Worry About Tread Depth?
Driving on worn-down tires can spell disaster if you wait too long to replace them. One of the best ways to make sure you're driving safely is to keep an eye on the tire's tread depth. Why is this important, you may ask? Mainly, it's because worn-down tires pose a safety risk, as your car has the potential to not respond well in tough weather conditions.
You may also experience other parts of your car wearing down due to lack of tread on its tires, which can lead to more expensive repairs.
What Are Some Problem Areas I Should Watch Out for?
When assessing tread depth on your car's tires, there are a few problem areas you'll want to key in on. Excessive wear in the middle of the tire could mean that the tire is over-inflated. If you see excessive wear on the shoulders of the tire, that could mean it is under-inflated.
If one side of the tire is worn but not the other, it might mean the camber angle is off. One final sign to look for is uneven treadwear, as this can mean that the wheel alignment is off, which could potentially lead to bigger problems.
Where Can I Get Tires and Tire Service?
At Watermark Nissan of Marion, we're here for all your tire needs in Marion, Herrin, and Carbondale, IL. Whether you need a current tire repaired or one or more new ones, we've got a fully stocked tire center, with an expert maintenance team, so you can feel confident that you'll be well-taken care of.
Contact us today to learn more or to schedule an appointment! Â