Of all the components that make up your vehicle, tires go through the most wear and tear, which is why they need to be replaced the most often. In general, your tires should be changed about every six years but there are plenty of external factors that can increase the rate of their degradation, such as driving on rough terrain. If you’re not sure whether or not it’s time to replace the tires on your car in Minnesota, be on the lookout for the following warning signs.
5 Warning Signs of Bad Tires
- TPMS Light is Frequently On – The tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) light on your vehicle’s dashboard will ignite to warn you that your tires are underinflated. This warning light resembles a tire with a ‘!’ in the middle, sometimes accompanied by the letters TPMS. Ordinarily, this just means you need to add some air to your tires to ensure they’re performing as intended. However, if you start noticing this light come on more frequently, it may be a sign that there’s a leak in your tires that is letting air escape. When this happens, pay close attention to your tires and, if their pressure goes down within a day or two of being filled, it’s probably time to stop filling them up and get them replaced.
- The Penny Test is Failed – If you’re looking for an easy DIY method to check the condition of your tires, try giving them the penny test! Just take a penny and stick it between the treads of your tires with the top of President Lincoln’s head facing toward the wheel. If you can see the entirety of Lincoln’s head over the tread of the tires, that means your car has failed the penny test; the treads have been worn down too low and are no longer getting sufficient traction when you drive your car in Minnesota.
- Bubbles in Your Tires – A tire’s sidewalls should be smooth and even. If you discover a bulge, especially if it’s grown to the shape of a round bubble, that’s a major warning sign that you need immediate tire replacement. These bubbles only form when there is a weak spot in your tires that can’t handle the air pressure within. Once these bubbles appear, your tires could pop at any minute when you’re driving through Minnesota, leading to a dangerous accident. Make sure you get your tires replaced before this happens.
- Poor Traction in Rain & Snow – Your car’s tires are made to stand up to the elements. While sliding is always possible when roads are slick from a rainstorm or covered in snow and ice, tires in good condition should be resistant to sliding and hydroplaning. If you notice you lose control of your vehicle easily when it rains or snow, the most likely reason is that your tire treads have been worn down and can’t handle these adverse road conditions. Given how snowy Minnesota gets in the winter, it’s important to replace your tires so they can handle the snow.
- Your Car is Shaking – Several factors can cause your car to shake when you drive but damage to your tires is one of the big ones. If your tires were punctured by road debris or have begun leaking due to general wear and tear, having your vehicle shake while driving in Minnesota is a warning sign that your tires need to be replaced.
The Top Tire Replacement Shop in Minnesota
When the time comes to get your car’s tires replaced, only trust the job to the most efficient and affordable local auto repair shop. Give Arvu Auto a call today if you need to have your tires replaced in the West Minneapolis metro!
