Every time you hit the road, your tires take a beating. Over time tires become old and worn and can’t provide the necessary traction to be used safely on the road. Tire failure can occur; you could lose control of your car or get stranded next to the road. Below are ways to tell when it’s time to get new tires at your Chrysler dealer.
Advice From Your Chrysler dealer: Is It Time to Get New Tires for Your Chrysler?
Tire Age
As you know, tires get old, and the rubber dries out and cracks. Tire manufacturers recommend replacing your vehicle’s tires every six to ten years. You can check your tire brand’s replacement specifications to determine if your tires are old and need replacing. If you can’t remember when you last replaced your tires, ask your Chrysler technician to inspect your car’s tires to see if you need a new set.
Tire Tread Depth
Check your tires regularly to see how much tread is left on each tire. The tire tread depth should never be lower than 5.32 inches to give you the traction you need, especially if you drive on wet and slippery road surfaces. To determine the tread depth, use a tread depth gauge.
If you don’t have a tread depth gauge handy, the old penny test will roughly give you an idea of how much tread is still left. Insert a penny head down into the groove. If you can’t see the head, the tread is good. If you see the head, it’s time to replace your tires.
Uneven Tread Wear
While checking the tread depth, look to see if the treads on all four tires are worn evenly. If one side is worn and thinner than the other, it’s due to incorrect tire pressure or misaligned tires. That is why it’s essential to inflate your tires to the correct PSI and have your tires rotated regularly. If the tread is uneven, ask your Chrysler technician to check if you need to replace your tires.
Indicator Wear Bars
Indicator wear bars are flat rubber bars built into tires to warn you when the tread is worn. The indicator wear bars are perpendicular to the tread direction and are barely visible when the tires are new. As tires wear down, the indicator wear bars become more visible. When you can see one or two indicator wear bars on a tire, visit your dealership for a tire replacement.
Blisters and Bulges
Over time and with use, the tire’s surface weakens, and that is when blisters or bulges form. The area on the outer surface where the tire developed a weak spot will bulge out. The weak spots could cause blowouts. To ensure your safety, get your tires replaced at your dealership as soon as possible when you notice blisters or bulges.
Sidewall Cuts and Cracks
When you check the tread on your tires, inspect the sidewalls for cuts and cracks. Visible damage to the sidewalls of your tires could lead to leaks or, even worse, cause a blowout. If the damage looks severe, and the cuts and cracks are easily visible, rather be safe than sorry and ask your Chrysler technician to inspect your tires to determine if a tire replacement is necessary.
If you want to know if your car needs a new set of tires, visit Ourisman Chrysler Jeep Dodge of Alexandria today. One of our qualified technicians will thoroughly inspect your vehicle’s tires to determine if you need a replacement. We stock a selection of top-quality brand tires and perform expert installations.
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