Unless you have a blow out on your way to work one day or you’re skidding on wet roads or you’re actually a mechanic, it can be difficult to tell if you’re one tire tread away from a potential disaster.
At Tony’s Toys we stock over 3500 tires from 15 different brands, including Dunlop, Sumitomo, Windforce, Goodyear and Michelin – right here on island! You could say we know a thing or two about tires. In fact, we are the only automotive centre on island with a hotline dedicated to tires – 623-TIRE.
The ‘true position’ – what every vehicle owner should know.
Tires wear over time due to various factors such as the weather environment, the way you navigate on the roads and road conditions. It is important not to wait until the tires are worn before deciding to replace them. In order to extend the lifespan and longevity of your tires, you should always maintain the correct air pressure and have your tires rotated regularly. Check your vehicle manual for a tire rotation schedule.
Four Signs of Tire Deterioration
- Tread Depth – Tires should never be below 1.6 millimetres in depth. A way to check this is the Penny Test which is easy and effective. Take a penny and, with the Queen’s head upside down, put it between the tread blocks of the tire. If you can’t see the top of the Queen’s head – if her head is “buried” between the tread blocks – then you still have more than 2/32 of an inch of tread remaining, and you’re good to go. If you can see the top of the Queen’s head, then you need to buy new tires because the tread is worn down to or beyond 2/32 of an inch.
- Cracks in the Sidewall – Damage to tires can also be seen in the sidewall. To identify this, you should look for cuts or tracks in the sidewall. These cracks are a sign that your tire is developing a leak.
- Bulges and Blisters – When the outer surface of the tire begins to weaken, bulges or blisters extending out from the tire’s surface can appear. Keep your eye on tire bulges and blisters because these weak spots can cause a tire to blow out suddenly.
- Excessive Vibration – When driving on bumpy roads, it is inevitable to experience a certain amount of vibration. An out-of-balance wheel will create a vibration or shake that becomes worse as the vehicle’s speed increases. It could mean that your tires are unbalanced or misaligned or that your shock absorbers are starting to go. It could also mean there is a problem inside the tire itself.
Drive into Tony’s Toys today so we can check your tires and make sure you’re safe on the road. If it’s time for some new wheels, we’ll help you find the best tire for your passenger car, SUV or truck and at competitive prices too.
Call our tire hotline on 623-TIRE or book your service online now.
