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Tips for Buying New Tires

Having good tires is critical to staying safe on the road. The rubber provides traction on wet and icy surfaces and helps maintain your car's stability in tight curves. While they may seem like they last forever, your car's tires eventually need to be changed.

Tires are a critical purchase for any vehicle owner and failure to buy the type and size of the tire may cause significant long-term damage to the vehicle as well as reduce its performance.

How do you know if it's time for new tires? Here are a few key signs to watch out for.

1. Worn tread: A simple tread depth check is one of the easiest ways to tell if you need new tires.


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Try inserting a quarter into the tread – if you can see the top of George Washington's head, your treads have worn too thin and need to be replaced.

2. Age: Tires wear out over time even if they haven't reached the legal tread limit. The rubber compounds in tires deteriorate over time due to natural wear and tear, UV exposure, and the environment. Most tires last between three to five years and you should consider replacing them when they get close to their maximum age.

3. Cracks, bumps, bulges, and cuts: Check the sides and the tread of your tires for any signs of damage. If you see signs of cracking, bulging, bumps, or cuts, it is time to replace your tires.

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