You may know that your car needs oil changes and brake inspections to run its best, but what about your tires? Knowing when to pop into your Nissan dealership for a set of new tires is important to keep everything running right. Signs It's Time for New Tires from the Nissan Dealership The Tread Will Tell Your tires need tread to do their job properly, but it wears down as you drive. You can check your tread levels with something called the "penny test." Pop a penny into your tire's tread with Abe Lincoln's head pointing down. If you can see his entire head, your tread depth is too low, and you need a new set of tires. Tires with worn treads are a safety hazard, especially when roads get wet or slick. more You Can See the Tread Wear Indicators Modern tires come with tread wear indicator bars that help you recognize when it's time to replace your tires. They begin as smooth rubber strips down at the bottom of your tread. As your tires wear down, they appear to rise to the top. Once the indicator bars are flush with the surface of your tires, your tires need to be replaced. Bulges and Blisters Bulges and blisters on your tire are signs of severe damage. They're weak spots where the tire could fail, increasing your chances of a blowout while driving. If you spot any, your tire needs to be changed right away. Too Much Vibration Has your smooth ride turned jittery? If your car vibrates more than it should, it could mean that your tires are uneven or damaged. While some vibration is normal, especially on bumpy roads, too much shaking might be a cry for help from your tires. They're Getting on in Years Tires age, but they don't get better with time. Old rubber turns brittle, affecting your tires' performance and making them less safe. If your tires are hitting the 6-year mark, it's wise to start shopping for a new set. Frequent Low Pressure Constantly low tire pressure could be a sign of a slow leak, thanks to a puncture or an issue with your rims. If you're finding yourself at the air pump more often than seems reasonable, don't let it slide. Fueling More, Going Less Worn tires can tank your fuel efficiency. A new set of tires can help your Nissan run more smoothly and save you some cash at the pump. Knowing when your tires need a swap is key to keeping your Nissan safe on the road. Call Redwood City Nissan in Redwood City, CA, to schedule your next tire inspection.
