Your Ford’s tires are the vital link between your vehicle and the road, and they are responsible – at least in part – for acceleration, braking, cornering, and soaking up bumps for a comfortable ride. Neglecting your tires can compromise the safety, performance, and fuel economy of your Ford, so being aware of the key signs of tire damage or excessive wear can prevent headaches and alert you to when it’s time for new tires at the Ford dealership.
Is It Time for New Tires at the Ford Dealership?
Look at Tread Wear
The easiest test is the classic “penny test.” Insert a penny upside down into your tire’s tread grooves, and ff you can see the top of Lincoln’s head, your tires are dangerously worn and need immediate replacement. For maximum safety, experts recommend replacing tires once the tread is worn down to 4/32″ of an inch. Modern tires feature also have built-in tread wear indicator bars, which are small rubber bars molded between the tire treads. Once the tread wears down to the level of these bars, it’s definitely time for replacement.
How Old Are They?
Tires, even with good tread, degrade over time. The sidewall of your tires has a four-digit code revealing their date of manufacture, and most tire manufacturers recommend replacing tires at least every six years, regardless of tread depth, as the rubber compound hardens and loses grip.
What Do They Look Like?
Closely inspect your tire sidewalls for bubbles, deep cuts, or significant cracks. These types of damage compromise the structural integrity of the tire and pose a blowout risk. Consult a tire professional immediately if you discover any sidewall damage.
Uneven tread wear across the tire can also point to problems with tire pressure or wheel alignment. Feathering (a sawtooth pattern) on the edges might signify a toe alignment issue, while excessive wear in the center or at the outer edges can be caused by incorrect tire inflation.
What Do They Sound Like?
Excessive vibrations felt through the steering wheel or your seat, along with increased tire noise, are often a symptom of tire damage or misalignment. Ignoring these signs can accelerate tire wear and put a strain on your vehicle’s suspension.
Regular tire rotations, following the schedule in your Ford’s owner’s manual, are a smart preventative measure and will help you extend the life of your tires as long as possible. Rotations help even out tire wear and can give technicians a chance to catch any developing issues early. Additionally, don’t forget about your tire pressure: check it regularly and maintain the recommended levels for your specific model.
Is it time for some tires? Come see us at Clay Maxey Ford in Harrison, AR and talk to our techs.
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