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You can have all the power in the world. And all-wheel drive to ensure all four tires are maximizing traction. However, without healthy tires, your car might as well be riding on ice skates. A disaster waiting to happen. Here’s how you can tell when it’s time for new tires before your car tells you in the worst way possible.

Use these guidelines to tell when it’s time to throw out the old rubber and invest in some new tires 

  1. Assess your tread depth

Okay, so you likely know that your tires work to secure grip using their tread patterns. However, worn treads devour your tires’ ability to grip the road surface, especially in cold or slick conditions. Use the penny test as part of your regular maintenance schedule to check your tread depth regularly or before long journeys.

Take a penny and insert it into the tread grooves with President Lincoln’s head facing down. If you can spot the top of the Great Emancipator’s head, it’s time for new tires. Just that simple. On top of the penny test, you can look for visible cords or consult your treadwear indicators. Treadwear indicators are small, raised sections of rubber. Consequently, when those little bars wear down flush, it’s time for new tires. 

Your worn tires could be more than dangerous, they could be illegal. In the United States, your tread depth must be at least 2/32 inches to be street legal. Why not call it 1/16? You can blame the tire industry for that one. 

  1. Check for damage to your sidewalls

It’s not just worn treads; damaged sidewalls can lead to potentially dangerous blowouts. Take a look at your sidewalls. Do you see cracks or bulges? If you do, you should budget for new rubber. Believe it or not, your rubber can age out of usefulness. If your car has been sitting for many years, you may want to consider a new set.  

  1. Look for uneven wear patterns

The way your tires wear can also tell you something about your car. If you take a look at your treads and notice uneven wear, you could be looking at an alignment issue or inconsistent tire pressures. Either way, if a tire wears down on one side too quickly, you could require a new one faster than expected.

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Staff Writer

Erik Sherman

Erik Sherman is a MotorBiscuit Staff Writer, an admitted petrolhead, and an avid motorcyclist. Erik covers Tesla daily, including the Model Y and Cybertruck. Erik also covers Toyota, often discussing the Tundra, Tacoma, RAV4, 4Runner, and Camry. Erik also has extensive experience with military and emergency vehicles, ranging from ambulances and fire engines to MRAPs and Humvees. Erik is a United States Marine Corps combat veteran, former water survival practitioner, and a former firefighter/EMT. He holds a Bachelor’s Degree from the University of Texas at Austin.