Getting New Tires Before a Road Trip
Do you have a family road trip planned before summer ends? This type of vacation is perfect for soaking up the sights and having memorable experiences with your family. If it's been a while since you get new tires, you might be wondering if you should complete this maintenance task before you leave or after you come back.
If you have already been coaxing your tires to last a little longer, you're better off replacing them before your road trip. You might put a few thousand miles on them right off the bat, but this is a small price to pay for the benefits you receive from new tires, including lower risk of getting in an accident, decreased chance of a flat tire or blowout, and an overall safer trip. As an added bonus, new tires also improve fuel efficiency and make the ride smoother and quieter.
Here's how to tell whether you should get new tires before a road trip, or if the task can wait until you get back.
Check the Tread Depth
The simplest way to do this is to examine the tread wear indicators, known as wear bars. Most tires have this feature so motorists can tell at a glance if their tires are worn out. A wear bar is a narrow strip of smooth rubber that goes straight across the patterned tread. If the tread has worn down to the level of three or more wear bars, this means it's time to replace your tires.
Can't find any wear bars? Try this backup method: hold a penny upside-down in a groove on your tire. If you can see all of Lincoln's head, the tire has worn down to 2/32" or less and needs to be replaced before you leave on your road trip.
Inspect the Sidewalls
Run-ins with curbs, potholes, and other unfriendly objects on the road can damage the sidewalls. If you notice bulges, cracks, cuts, or snags, especially those that go deep enough to show cord or fabric, it's time to replace your tires. These abnormalities could make your road trip more hazardous, so prioritize the replacement before you leave town.
Determine the Age
Even if the tread isn't worn down entirely, and the sidewalls are still in good shape, rubber still degrades over time. To find out when your tires were manufactured, check the lower sidewall for the letters "DOT." A string of letters and numbers follow, but only the last four digits matter in this instance.
For example, say the number is "2116." This means the tire was manufactured in the 21st week of 2016. If you discover that your car has had the same tires for eight to 10 years, it's crucial to replace them soon.
This rule isn't as cut and dry as the other reasons to get new tires. If the rubber appears to still be in good shape, you might be able to wait until after your road trip to replace your car's aging tires.
Tire Buying Tips
If you have determined it's time for new tires, make a wise purchase by following these tips.
Consider summer tires: You might recognize the value of snow tires, but the hot pavement and glaring sunlight can be just as taxing on rubber in the summer. All-season tires can get you by, but since they're designed to handle a variety of road conditions, they have to make compromises. For the best possible experience on road trips, consider investing in summer tires when it's warm. Then, switch to snow tires when the weather turns icy in the winter.
Steer clear of used tires: The salesman might tell you that the tires only have a few hundred miles on them, and they may look all right, but buying used tires can be risky. After all, you don't know if the tires were driven while overloaded or underinflated or at excessively high speeds. The tires may even have been damaged as they were taken off the previous car. Your best bet is to stick with new tires when buying replacements.
Have your tires balanced and wheels aligned: Misaligned wheels can cause uneven tire wear and inconsistent handling. Then, an out-of-balance tire can affect ride quality and shorten the life of your tires and suspension. Request these services when you have your new tires installed to ensure the best performance and smoothest ride on your upcoming road trip.
Buy new tires in sets of four: For the best traction and handling, consider replacing all four tires at once, even if only one or two has bulging sidewalls or excessive wear. You can find great deals on new tires at Jerry's Chevrolet. Our Certified Service experts can recommend the right tires for your vehicle, driving habits, and budget.
Start searching for new tires online with our Tire Finder Tool. Then, come to Jerry's Chevrolet in Baltimore when you're ready to have your tires installed and wheels aligned. You can also contact us anytime for answers to your remaining questions.