When is it Time to Buy New Tires?

It has been recommended that everyone inspect their tires at least once a month for wear and tear. The question in the back of everyone's mind is: What are we looking for? A common test used is the penny test (www.michelinman.com). Get a penny and place it in one of the grooves on your tire. It would be best to place it on the most shallow groove. When you put the penny upright in the groove, make sure President Lincoln's head is down. If you can see the top of his head, then the tire should be replaced. It is best if the penny falls into the groove and almost half the penny sits in the groove. A bald tire will show Lincoln's head and should be replaced. Also, by simply inspecting your tires, you should not see any punctures, wears, rubber damage etc. If you notice any of those signs, take the tires to an authorized dealer to inspect.

If it is decided that the tire can be repaired instead of replaced, it is still recommended that the tire be taken to an authorized dealer who will remove the tire from the wheel and properly inspect it (www.michelinman.com). Consumers should know that when a tire is damaged internally, it is not visible when the tire is mounted to the wheel. The tire must be removed from the wheel in order to see the damage. When repairing a tire, it should be done from the inside. If a dealer offers to repair the tire using a plug, you should refuse that repair immediately. A tire can be plugged without removing from the wheel. Basically a plug is placed into the area where there is a puncture. Instead, opt to have the tired removed from the wheel and properly patched from the inside of the tire. That is the correct way to repair it. Simply placing a plug in the tire can lead up to tire failure in the future and you definitely don't want to be driving in unsafe conditions.