May 11, 2025
Did you know that driving on worn or damaged tires can increase your risk of accidents and cost you more in fuel? Here’s how to tell if it’s time to replace your tires:
Quick Tip: Properly inflated tires can save you up to 11 cents per gallon on fuel and extend tire life by 4,700 miles.
If you notice any of these warning signs, don’t wait - your safety is at risk. At 1st Choice Collision, we offer expert tire inspections, replacements, and maintenance to keep you safe on the road.
Tire tread depth plays a major role in ensuring your vehicle grips the road properly and keeps you safe. In fact, vehicles with tread depths between 0 and 2/32" are three times more likely to experience tire-related issues.
The penny test is a quick and simple way to measure tread depth. Here’s how it works:
Place a penny into the tread grooves of your tire with Lincoln's head facing down. If you can see the top of his head, your tread depth is 2/32" or less - it’s time to replace those tires immediately.
For a more precise reading, consider using a tire tread depth gauge. This affordable tool measures tread depth in 32nds of an inch and provides an exact reading. You can also check for tread wear indicator bars, which are small rubber bridges between the tread ribs. These bars become visible when your tread depth reaches 2/32".
"When your tire treads wear thin, you could be in for a slippery ride - literally. Luckily, you can spot dangerous tread depth using only a penny, and Honest Abe's face!"
Driving on worn tires, particularly in wet conditions, can dramatically affect your stopping distance. According to AAA, worn tires can increase stopping distance by 43%, which translates to an extra 87 feet compared to new tires.
Here’s how tread condition impacts your vehicle’s performance:
A DEKRA expert emphasizes the importance of tread depth:
"Always bear in mind that the only connection between your vehicle and the road consists of four small areas, each just slightly larger than a postcard. And remember that a tire's performance in extreme situations will decrease as the tread depth gets shallower, especially on wet roads."
- DEKRA
It’s worth noting that 70% of weather-related accidents occur on wet pavement. Even more concerning, a NHTSA study found that 50% of vehicles had at least one tire with half-worn tread, and 10% had at least one completely bald tire.
To stay safe, replace your tires once the tread reaches 4/32", especially if you often drive in wet conditions. This small step can make a big difference in your vehicle's handling and overall safety. Up next, we’ll cover how to identify sidewall issues that also require immediate attention.
After checking the tread depth, it's important to examine the sidewalls for any signs of damage. Below, we break down the common causes of sidewall issues and how to prevent them.
Sidewall damage can occur for a variety of reasons. Here's an overview of the typical causes, the type of damage they can lead to, and tips for prevention:
Car tire sidewalls are typically between 1/4″ and 5/8″ thick, which may seem thin, but this layer is vital for the tire's overall strength and stability. However, long periods of inactivity can speed up sidewall deterioration.
Driving on tires with damaged sidewalls is a serious safety risk. Jack Underwood, a tire expert from National Tire Service Ltd, emphasizes:
"It is not safe to drive on a tyre that has tyre sidewall damage. Tyre sidewall damage can harm the overall tyre structure and can increase the chance of a tyre blow out or puncture."
Sidewall damage becomes even more hazardous at highway speeds, where the added heat and stress can lead to sudden tire failure. Unlike tread punctures, which can sometimes be repaired, sidewall damage is irreparable, meaning the only safe option is to replace the tire.
To stay safe, make it a habit to inspect your tire sidewalls weekly. Look out for these warning signs:
If you spot any of these issues, don’t delay - get your tires checked by a professional immediately.
If you find yourself frequently adding air to your tires, it’s a red flag. While it’s normal for tires to lose about 1 PSI per month, consistent drops beyond this rate suggest something’s wrong. Let’s break down the common causes and why they matter for your safety and vehicle performance.
Several issues can lead to faster air loss, and catching them early can save you from bigger problems down the road:
A simple way to check for slow leaks is by applying soapy water to the tire - bubbles will reveal the problem spot. Also, it’s a good practice to replace valve stems whenever you get new tires to reduce the chance of leaks.
"The air in your tires is what actually carries the weight of your car. Proper inflation gives your tires the structural integrity to carry you safely from point A to B."
Driving with underinflated tires isn’t just inconvenient - it’s risky and costly:
Research from Oak Ridge National Laboratory highlights how underinflated tires impact fuel efficiency. At 40 mph, tires at 50% of their recommended pressure showed a 10% drop in fuel economy. At highway speeds of 80 mph, the drop was slightly less but still significant at 5%.
If your tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) light comes on or you notice consistent pressure loss, don’t wait - get your tires inspected. Regular checks, at least once a month and before long trips, can help you catch problems early and avoid bigger headaches down the line.
Uneven tire wear doesn’t just hurt your car’s performance - it can also put your safety at risk. Spotting wear patterns early can save you from expensive repairs and potential accidents.
Different wear patterns often point to specific issues with your vehicle. Here’s a quick guide:
Regular checks can catch uneven wear before it becomes a bigger problem. If you notice any of these patterns, it’s time to consult a professional.
At 1st Choice Collision, we’ve got the tools and expertise to tackle uneven wear. Here’s what we offer:
Once uneven wear is under control, the next step is checking your tire age to complete your tire care routine. Let us help keep you safe on the road!
Tire age is just as important as tread wear, sidewall issues, air loss, and uneven wear when it comes to road safety. Even if your tires look fine, the rubber can degrade over time, making them unsafe.
A study by Safety Research & Strategies Inc. highlighted this risk, showing that tires older than six years were linked to 252 incidents, resulting in 233 fatalities and 300 injuries.
Here’s what major manufacturers recommend regarding tire age:
Driving on older tires comes with serious risks: a higher chance of blowouts, reduced traction on wet roads, longer braking distances, and more frequent air loss. Tread separation is also a common issue with aging tires.
"If you take a rubber band that's been sitting around a long time and stretch it, you will start to see cracks in the rubber." – Sean Kane, president of Safety Research & Strategies Inc.
Every tire has a DOT code on its sidewall that tells you when it was made. For tires produced since 2000, the last four digits of the code indicate the week and year of manufacture. For example, a code ending in "1319" means the tire was made in the 13th week of 2019. Starting April 13, 2025, a new 13-character Tire Identification Number will be used.
Statistics underline the importance of checking tire age, especially in warmer climates. Insurance data shows that 77% of tire-related claims come from hot-weather states, and 84% of these involved tires older than six years. Heat speeds up rubber deterioration, making regular checks even more crucial in these regions.
Spotting the signs of tire aging is step one. When it’s time to replace them, our expert services are here to ensure your safety on every drive. Stay tuned for details on how our tire replacement services can keep you road-ready.
Getting new tires isn’t just about swapping out the old ones - it’s about improving safety and enhancing your vehicle's performance. At 1st Choice Collision, our Gold Class-certified technicians ensure every tire replacement is done with precision and care.
Picking the right tires for your car involves more than just knowing the size. Our team takes a deeper dive into several factors to ensure you get the best fit:
Our experts take all these into account to recommend tires that suit your car, driving style, and local conditions. Once you’ve made your choice, we move on to professional installation to ensure everything works seamlessly.
After selecting the perfect tires, our team makes sure they’re installed for peak performance. Here’s what you can expect from our process:
To top it all off, we back our tire installation with a lifetime nationwide guarantee on repairs. So no matter where the road takes you, you can drive with confidence.
In 2023, tire-related issues tragically led to 646 fatalities, and nearly half of all vehicles on the road had at least one tire with tread that was half-worn. If you notice any warning signs with your tires, take immediate action - your safety truly depends on it.
This data highlights the critical importance of professional tire care. As AAA's research shows, even the most advanced safety systems rely on well-maintained tires to perform effectively.
If your tires show signs of wear or damage, it’s essential to seek expert assistance. At 1st Choice Collision, our certified technicians offer thorough inspections and installations to help ensure your vehicle’s safety. With our detailed approach to tire replacement and a lifetime nationwide guarantee, you can hit the road with confidence, knowing your car is ready for any journey.
Here are some essential tips to keep in mind:
Your tires are the foundation of your vehicle’s safety. Stay proactive and make tire care a priority to protect yourself and others on the road.
Even if your tires look fine at a glance, there are a few important things to check to decide whether they need replacing:
Not sure if your tires are still roadworthy? It’s always a good idea to have a professional take a look. At 1st Choice Collision, we can inspect your tires and help you decide the best way to stay safe on the road.
Driving with damaged tire sidewalls poses a serious safety risk. The sidewall plays a crucial role in keeping the tire structurally sound, and any damage - whether it's cuts, cracks, bulges, or punctures - can compromise its strength. This significantly raises the chances of a blowout, which could result in losing control of your vehicle.
To catch sidewall problems early, keep an eye out for visible signs like cracks, bulges, or blisters on your tire. Bulges or blisters often signal internal damage and need immediate attention. Cracks can develop due to factors like aging, harsh weather conditions, or improper storage, and they’re another warning sign you shouldn't ignore. If you spot any of these issues, it’s essential to have a professional inspect your tires to ensure your safety while driving.
Keeping your tires at the right pressure is crucial for both your safety and saving on fuel costs. Underinflated tires can hurt your gas mileage, make your car burn more fuel, and even create unsafe driving conditions. On the flip side, overinflated tires can reduce traction, which might make your car feel less stable on the road.
To keep your tires in top shape, use a reliable tire gauge to check the pressure at least once a month. It’s also a good idea to check before heading out on long trips or when temperatures take a big dip, as cold weather can lower tire pressure. Taking care of your tires not only keeps you safer but also helps you cut down on fuel expenses!