When To Visit A Tire Shop Near Me: 6 Telltale Signs Of Tire Trouble
“How Do I Know It Is Time To Visit A Tire Shop Near Me?”
Unless you are actively looking for new tires to buy, many drivers do not think about visiting their local tire shop again until it is time for a replacement. And that is a mistake, as regular tire upkeep puts money in your pocket, and timely repairs can prevent minor problems from growing into major expenses.
Indeed, as with most auto problems, when tire trouble strikes, early detection is key. The sooner you spot problems with your treads, sidewall, or tire pressure, the less you will pay to have them fixed, and the safer you will be on the road.
With that in mind, today’s post runs down 6 telltale signs of tire trouble you can use to spot problems early on. Read on to learn when it is time to visit your local tire shop or call John’s Auto Service at (613) 542-8057 to speak with a qualified tire expert in Kingston, ON right away.
When To Visit A Tire Shop Near Me: 6 Telltale Signs Of Tire Trouble
- Your tire treads are too low. According to Regulation 625 of Ontario’s Highway Traffic Act, tires must be replaced once less than 1.5mm of tread depth remains.To assess this, hold a quarter between your thumb and forefinger with Queen Elizabeth’s head facing down. Now find a point on your tire where the tread appears the lowest and insert the quarter head-first into the groove. If the top of the Queen’s head is covered by tread, you are still above the legal limit, and your tires are still keeping you safe. If you can see her entire head, it is time for a tire replacement—and John’s Auto Service can help.
- Your tires are too old. According to the Ministry of Transportation’s Driver’s Handbook, “tires should not be older than 10 years,” even if they spent most of that time in the perfect storage conditions. Accordingly, if your tires are 6+ years old, it is probably time to start planning for a replacement, and if they have been in use for 10 years or more, they need to be replaced now. You can find the manufacturing date on your tire sidewall, displayed in a 4-digit code (e.g. 5012), with the first two digits representing the week and the second two digits telling you the year. In the case of our example, these tires were made in the 50th week of 2012, so it is definitely time for a replacement.
- Your tires are damaged. The Canadian Motor Vehicle Safety Act states that any tires showing bumps, bulges, knots, exposed cords, or deep cuts in the tread and sidewall must be replaced. Of course, not all tire damage is created equal, and some scuffs and scratches may be superficial—when in doubt, contact John’s Auto Service for an expert opinion. Every consultation is free, so you have nothing to lose.
- Your tires are losing pressure. It is normal for tires to lose about 1 PSI per month, but any more than that could indicate a serious leak. Invest in a handheld pressure gauge and check your tire pressure on a regular basis. If you are constantly having to fill up, or your TPMS light is on, it’s time to visit your local tire shop.
- Your tires make a lot of noise while driving. Turn down the radio, lower the windows, and listen to what your tires are telling you while you drive. If you hear excess noise, you may be dealing with improper alignment, which creates tread-shredding tire drag. If left unresolved, you will only get a fraction of your tire’s expected tread life, and your vehicle will absorb a lot more wear-and-tear.
- Your ride comfort plummets. Tire vibrations are one of the most common symptoms of tire damage. If you are noticing more juddering while you joy ride, it’s time to bring your car into the shop and take a closer look at your tires.
Get A Free Quote: Call John’s Auto Service
Since 1988, John’s Auto Service has been helping Kingston drivers maximize tread life and tire performance with qualified repair services backed by a 24-month, 40,000km warranty. We work with all vehicles; we carry all of the top tire lineups to simplify your tire replacements; and we offer exclusive shop promotions to help control costs.
To book a free consultation and get a quote on any tire repair or maintenance services, you can call (613) 542-8057 or contact us online.