When Should I Replace My Tires?

The Signs to Look For on Tires

If you’re a car owner, chances are you’ve asked yourself this question at least once. How do you know when it’s time to repair your tires or replace them altogether? It can be difficult to tell the difference, but luckily, Thunderbird Automotive in Surprise, AZ has all the answers. Let’s break down how you can tell the difference between tire repair and replacement.

Signs That You Need Tire Repair

If your tires are showing signs of wear or damage, there may be an opportunity for repair before needing a full-on replacement. Here are some common signs that your tire needs repair instead of replacing:

• Blistering or bubbling on the sidewall of the tire – This is usually caused by a puncture and can be repaired with a patch. The patch will close off the hole and prevent air from exiting the tire.
• Worn treads – If your treads look worn down or unevenly distributed, they may need to be rotated or balanced before replacement is necessary. Rotating and balancing corrects any misalignments in your treads that cause uneven pressure distribution across each wheel. This will help increase overall performance and extend the life of your tires.
• Air Leaks – If there is an obvious air leak coming from one of your tires, it could indicate that there is a puncture that needs to be patched. An air leak could also mean that one of the valves has become damaged and needs to be replaced.

Signs That You Need Tire Replacement

In some cases, it might not be worth it to repair your tires and opt for replacements instead. Here are some common signs that you need new tires:

Cracks on the sidewall of the tire – These cracks can weaken the structure of your tire over time and should always be replaced as soon as possible. Exposed cords or fabric peeking out from underneath the surface – This means that your tire is starting to break down internally and should not be driven on any longer than necessary before being replaced altogether. Age – Even if there is no visible damage to your tires, they should still be inspected regularly due to age alone; after 5-7 years, most tires should either be replaced or recycled because their performance decreases significantly over time with prolonged use.

Knowing when it’s time for repair versus replacement can save car owners money in both time and resources spent on unnecessary repairs or replacements too early into their lifecycle. By being aware of these key indicators for each scenario, you can make sure that you stay informed about what needs attention now—and what can wait until later—for optimal vehicle health! For more information about tire maintenance services available at Thunderbird Automotive in Surprise, AZ contact us today! We look forward to hearing from you!