Not sure if it’s time to replace your tires? We take you through the basics of tire care below!

There are quite a few factors that can affect the life of your tires. The first factor to consider is tire age (more info on how long tires typically last below). If your tires are still young, factors you should worry about include:

• Driving Habits
  • If you often speed, stop suddenly, and take off quickly when you drive, you’ll experience faster tire wear. This will be especially true if you drive on damaged roads or ignore signs of tire damage.
• Climate
  • Wisconsin offers extreme weather on both ends of the spectrum. In the winter, we expose our tires to freezing temperatures and roads riddled with cracks and potholes. In the summer, our tires are exposed to extremely hot roads and strong sunlight. If you neglect the care of your tires (like properly rotating and airing up your tires), they may wear faster or suffer damage.
• Road Conditions
  • Bad road conditions often lead to tire damage. Driving over potholes, hitting curbs, and running over sharp objects on the roadway can all cause damage to your tires, wheels, and other areas of your vehicle, like the suspension & steering system.

Check your vehicle’s owner manual to find out when the manufacturer recommends tire replacement. For most vehicles, tire replacement is recommended between 6 and 10 years. If you neglect tire maintenance, uneven wear may require replacement sooner.

Treads give your tires grip on the road; providing the traction required for a safe ride. Good traction is especially important in bad weather conditions, like rain and snow. You should check your tire tread regularly because it’s a significant indicator of when you need new tires.

Any vehicle owner can check their tire treads with this easy trick. Insert a penny (face out with Lincoln’s head pointing down) into the grooves of your tire. If the tread covers any part of Lincoln’s head, your tires are still good. However, if all of Lincoln’s head is exposed, it’s time for new tires.

Wisco Automotive in Burlington, Wisconsin offers great deals on top tire brands. You can trust our mechanics for flawless installation too! Give us a call at 262-767-9393 to get a new tire quote or shop for tires online now!