Are you starting to lose confidence in your tires? If you’ve experienced a sudden loss of traction on a wet patch of the road or noticed your cornering and braking become less exact, it may be time for new tires. Any of the following warning signs should prompt you to visit your local Kia dealership right away to have your tires examined or replaced.
Diminished Tread Depths
After four to six years of use, the treads of most tires will wear too thin for safe use. The minimum legal tread depth in Illinois is 2/32 of an inch. It’s generally considered a good idea to replace your tires even before they become this shallow.
You can use a tread depth gauge to measure the treads of your tires. You can also use a penny; insert the coin into the tread voids at a central part of the tire with Abe’s head inside the tread. If you can see all of Lincoln’s head, the treads are too shallow, and you need a new set of tires.
Less Firm Tire Traction
When on the road, it’s important to feel absolute confidence in your tires at all times. If you sense reduced traction during wet weather, have your tires inspected by a professional without delay. You may need replacements.
Excessive Vibrations
Worn-out tires will gradually worsen your handling and generate more road noise and vibrations. If your car seems excessively noisy and shaky, ask a trusted technician to examine your tires.
Unevenly Worn Tires
If you routinely have your tires rotated, they’ll last a good deal longer. Regular rotations combat uneven tire wear, keeping all four tires in a similar condition. Neglecting to rotate your tires may cause them to wear down unevenly to an excessive degree, which will cause all kinds of trouble and may mean you need to prematurely replace all four.
Cracked, Cut, or Bulging Rubber
Serious damage to the rubber of any tire usually makes it no longer safe to use. If a tire’s sidewalls have myriad cracks that are spreading and deepening, you’ll probably need to get rid of that tire. Similarly, deep cuts or gashes threaten the structural integrity of tire rubber, as do bulges or blisters, which may indicate an internal rupture.
Continual Loss of Air Pressure
All drivers should check the air pressure of their tires once a month or more, maintaining the pressure at precisely the recommended PSI for their vehicle. If one of your tires is persistently losing air pressure, have it inspected by a technician; it may have a hidden puncture or some other hazardous flaw.
Visit Auffenberg Kia in Shiloh, IL, today to have your tires rotated or replaced. We’re a trusted local dealership offering top-notch cars, deals, and customer service.
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Warranties include 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain and 5-year/60,000-mile basic. All warranties and roadside assistance are limited. See retailer for warranty details.