Vehicle owners often wonder when they need to change their tires. Fortunately, assessing their wear is not very complicated. Most of the time, a quick glance or the help of a small coin is enough.
It is essential to know the parts of the tire to observe and what are the main indicators that indicate whether or not it is time to replace the tires.
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When exactly should you change your tires?
Vehicle owners often wonder how often they need to replace their tires. Generally, there are two main factors that affect this: the level of wear and the age of the tires .
Let’s clarify right away that tire wear is not always the same , but changes based on several factors. One of these is the construction material of the tires, which undergo various changes due to high pressure, specific road surface conditions and the way in which braking is performed (as well as their frequency).
Therefore, the first determining factor that affects tire change is their construction quality . In this regard, the compounds used by manufacturers, fibers and steel cables have a particular influence. When choosing the type of tire to mount, it is always best to turn to professionals in the sector who will be able to indicate quality products, thanks to the analysis of the label and marking of the tire.
Climate and temperature are also key factors in tire wear . Although most tires are designed to withstand the temperature changes that occur from one season to another, extreme temperatures can speed up their deterioration.
In addition, the driver can influence this factor based on their driving style . Aggressive drivers subject the tires to high stress, caused by high speeds, frequent accelerations and sudden braking .
The frequency of maintenance of the vehicle should not be underestimated, whether it is a car or a motorcycle. If the tire pressure is not checked periodically , it is much easier for them to wear out quickly and irregularly, making it mandatory to change them.
Extraordinary events , such as an accident or a simple impact of the wheel with a curb , also affect tire wear . In these cases, the tires can suffer damage that requires their replacement.
How many kilometers should you change your tires every?
After analyzing the aspects that concern tire wear, let’s see how to establish when to replace them based on the kilometers traveled with your vehicle.
Those who periodically drive long distances on dirt roads will obviously notice greater tire wear than those who drive most of their miles in the city.
Generally speaking, the “rule” says that a vehicle’s tires should be replaced every 20,000 to 40,000 kilometers . This range is very broad and gives a good idea of how tire wear changes based on the various factors we have already indicated above.
If, upon careful observation, you notice that the tire is damaged or deformed , it should be replaced even if the mileage is less than the minimum threshold of 20 thousand km. This is why it is important to do a periodic check that allows you to identify possible elements that highlight safety risks.
In any case, it is best to rely on quality car insurance , which offers the right guarantees, such as Verti policies which provide 360° protection from many types of unforeseen events.
Changing tires according to age
The age of a tire is a factor not always related to wear. In fact, those who travel short distances annually will have lower consumption than those who, for work or leisure, use their vehicle for many kilometers.
Of course, there are also time limits that should not be exceeded. The tire change, regardless of the degree of wear, should be done at least every six years . The temperature variations from one season to another determine a sharp decline in the performance of the tires. In addition, you must be careful not to mount new tires that are more than ten years old.
This is why you should always check the exact production date , which is printed on the tire. It is called DOT marking and is a standard used throughout the European community.
The main methods for assessing tire wear
Regularly checking the wear of your tires is essential for the safety of ourselves and others. Furthermore, it is a very simple activity and does not necessarily require the help of an expert tire dealer.
The first step involves a visual examination and small tests that do not require specific knowledge and skills. When a tire is worn unevenly, it almost always means that we are faced with a tire pressure problem that, therefore, must be adjusted appropriately. In other cases, however, this type of irregular consumption derives from factors related to poor convergence or balancing .
If in the case of incorrect pressure it is sufficient to adequately inflate the tire, in the second case it is necessary to go to a specialized center that will proceed with the necessary technical interventions to re-establish the correct balance of the vehicle . Through the visual inspection it is also possible to discover possible damages on the surface of the tire such as, for example, evident cracks, cuts , presence of nails or other sharp objects and deformations. When this happens, you can proceed with a repair , if possible, or with a replacement .
An element that helps to check the degree of wear in a simple way are the tread grooves . These grooves should have a depth of about 1.6 millimeters . Below this limit the law requires the tires to be changed.
Driving a vehicle equipped with tyres that have wear that exceeds this limit can cause loss of grip, especially in wet conditions. These parameters have been designed to prevent the occurrence of very serious dangers such as aquaplaning .
To measure the tread depth, all you need is a simple object that we all have available: a two-euro coin . By placing it inside the spaces of the grooves, you need to check that the groove reaches at least the silver crown. If not, the tire must be replaced.
Another very useful check is to compare the thickness of all the tires on the vehicle. For example, front-wheel drive cars have a greater wear on the front tires than on the rear tires. Those on the same axle, however, should have uniform wear.
If this does not happen, it is best to have the vehicle checked by a tire dealer, so as to understand what is causing this imbalance.
Why is it important to change the tires on a vehicle?
Understanding the ideal time to replace your tires means taking care of your vehicle, while also avoiding additional costs due to evaluation errors.
Tires are a fundamental part of cars and motorcycles. In fact, much of the safety depends on them . Old or worn tires can cause various problems , such as:
- poor grip
- sudden breakages or bursts
- braking difficulty.
Additionally, improperly aligned wheels and poor balance issues can cause uneven wear and tear and can cause costly damage to your vehicle.
One of the main causes of accidents, every year, comes from non-performing tires. This is the main reason why it is not necessary to neglect their maintenance and every driver should care about their safety on the road and that of others.
The most obvious signs that indicate that your tires should be replaced
There are some obvious signs that suggest your tires are worn out and need to be replaced.
Although it is always preferable to rely on the support of an expert tire dealer, these elements help to understand that you should start thinking about purchasing new tires for your vehicle.
In addition to the coin method for tread, which we have already explained, you should check for bubbles or bulges on the surface of the tire. These are signs that the internal frame may be damaged, causing air to escape to the outside. In these cases, the tires should be replaced immediately, even when the tread is still normal.
Another symptom of tire problems is vibrations , which should be interpreted as a sign of irregular wear. These oscillations are felt especially when the hands touch the steering wheel while driving. One of the causes can also be a bad alignment of the axle, a problem that must necessarily be checked and fixed by a professional.
Cuts or cracks on the surface of the tires are the easiest signs to check. One of the main causes, in this case, is the age of the tires that generates small cracks. In addition, the latter are also generated due to long exposure to the sun, heat generated by the road surface and air. Cuts, on the other hand, occur from fortuitous events such as, for example, accidental contact with rocks or sharp objects.
In the event of a tire puncture , the problem must be resolved immediately. Even when the hole does not cause excessive air leaks, ignoring it can cause serious consequences for the driver. In fact, the risk is that humidity penetrates inside the tire and causes rust to form on the steel parts. These objects, then, can also generate weakening of the structure that can lead to very dangerous explosions if not resolved promptly.
Finally, don’t underestimate the valve control , which could be damaged. If the cap is not tightened effectively, it will continually loosen. On the other hand, if it is excessively too tight, the thread on the stem could break. A damaged cap can cause air leakage and allows dirt, moisture and debris to enter.
What are the sanctions provided by Italian law?
In Italy, law enforcement agencies pay a lot of attention to checking the proper conditions of vehicles circulating on the road, in order to guarantee the safety of those traveling.
Drivers caught driving with bald or excessively worn tires risk fines ranging from a minimum of 85 euros to a maximum of 338 euros, with a deduction of 2 points from their driving license.
In addition, the driver may be asked to stop and not continue. In these cases, the fines increase, with the points deducted from 2 to 3. The driver must also pay for the transportation costs of the vehicle.
These checks also concern the type of tyre fitted , which must be in line with the parameters indicated in the vehicle’s registration document and with the regulations on changing from summer tyres to winter tyres. If you tire is completely distory then you need Flatbed Towing service.
What happens if I don’t change my tires? In these cases the law is clear: driving with tires that do not meet these standards will result in a fine of 85 to 1,685 euros and the withdrawal of the vehicle registration document . This is the main reason for knowing when to change your winter tires.
The advice is to rely on the professional advice of your trusted tire dealer, so as to remove any doubts about it and choose the model that best suits your needs.