When Should You Replace Your Tires? 5 Signs to Watch For

Tires are one of those parts of your vehicle that are easy to forget about—until they start giving you a reason to pay attention.

Your tires play a big role in how your vehicle handles, stops, and grips the road. And with Iowa weather bringing everything from heavy rain to snow and ice, keeping them in good condition matters.

So, how do you know when it’s actually time to replace them? Here are five signs to watch for.

1. Your Tread Is Getting Low

Tread helps your tires maintain traction, especially on wet, snowy, or icy roads.

An easy way to check at home is the penny test. Place a penny into the tread with Lincoln’s head upside down. If you can see the top of his head, your tread is around 2/32 of an inch and it’s time to replace the tire.

2. Your Tires Are Wearing Unevenly

Take a quick look across each tire. Does one side look more worn than the other? Are there certain spots with noticeably less tread?

Uneven wear can be caused by improper tire pressure, alignment issues, or missed tire rotations. Even if you don’t need new tires yet, uneven wear is a good reason to have them checked.

3. You See Cracks, Bulges, or Damage

Tread isn’t the only thing to look at.

Check the sidewalls for cracks, cuts, bulges, or bubbles. Damage can happen after hitting a pothole, curb, or other road hazard.

If something doesn’t look right, it’s better to have it inspected rather than wait for it to become a bigger problem.

4. Your Vehicle Is Driving Differently

New vibrations, pulling, unusual noises, or changes in handling can sometimes point to a tire problem.

It doesn’t automatically mean you need new tires, but if your vehicle suddenly feels different, there’s usually a reason—and it’s worth getting checked.

5. Your Tires Are Getting Older

Even tires with plenty of tread don’t last forever.

You can check their age using the DOT code on the sidewall. The last four digits tell you the week and year the tire was manufactured. For example, 2422 means the tire was made during the 24th week of 2022.

As tires age, they should be inspected regularly, even if they still look good.

Don’t Forget About Tire Pressure

Keeping your tires properly inflated can help them wear evenly and last longer.

If your tire pressure warning light keeps coming back or one tire repeatedly loses air, don’t ignore it. A slow leak, puncture, or other issue could be the cause.

Not Sure? We Can Take a Look.

You don’t have to be a tire expert to take good care of your vehicle. Paying attention to tread, uneven wear, visible damage, age, and changes in how your vehicle drives can help you catch problems early.

Not sure if your tires have another season left in them? Schedule a service appointment with Cassill Motors and let our team take a look. We’ll help you understand the condition of your tires and what your vehicle may need to keep you ready for the road ahead.