Tire Talk: What Are They Telling You?

Tires, like windshield wipers and oil filters, are parts of your car that wear out as a result of normal use. Tires, however, have a tremendous impact on the safety of your car every time you head out on the road. Fortunately, tires seldom fail without warning and this warning often comes in the form of abnormal wear. In fact, tires are excellent at telling you whether or not they are wearing normally and, if not, what is to blame. Here we'll give you some key symptoms to look for and suggest some easy corrections.

Against the Wall
Upon examining your tires, you'll find the two primary parts are the tread and the sidewall. The tread is reinforced by multiple steel belts that provide additional protection against puncture. The sidewall is not.


Because of this difference, you will want to begin any tire inspection with a careful examination of the sidewall. Look for any cuts, bubbling, or cracking. If you find any of these, take your tires to a local tire retailer immediately for a professional inspection. Because of the delicate nature of the sidewall, it is advisable to install your spare tire before driving.

Tread Lightly
In addition to the sidewall, you'll want to give the tread a thorough inspection. Start your review by checking the depth of the tread. This will give you an idea of how many happy miles you've got left before some new rubber is required.


Every tire is equipped with several wear indicators that run across the tread in the grooves between the tread ribs. Once these wear indicators are flush with the ribs, it is time to replace the tire. Another method for checking tread depth is to insert a penny in one of the grooves with Lincoln's head upside down and facing you. If you can see the top of Lincoln's head, it is time to replace your tire.