Tire Info Page
Your tires need to be replaced when the tread depth reaches 2/32 of an inch or if you notice uneven wear patterns. Regularly checking your tire tread depth and condition is crucial for maintaining optimal vehicle performance and ensuring your safety on the road, especially in hazardous conditions. We recommend inspecting your tires several times a year to stay ahead of potential issues.
Why Does Tire Wear Matter?
Not enough tire tread can be very dangerous. Lack of traction on the road can cause a driver to lose control of their vehicle, especially in wet or snowy road conditions. Whenever precipitation comes between your tires and the road, it is important to have enough tread to maintain as much traction as possible.
What is the Minimum Required Tire Tread?
In the United States, tire tread measurements are usually expressed in 32nds of an inch. The average new all-season passenger tire has a tread depth of about 9/32-inch to 11/32-inch. In most states, the minimum tire-depth requirement is 2/32-inch. [[dealerName]] recommends that tires be replaced when the tread reaches that depth. [[dealerName]] recommends that you replace your tires when any portion of your tire tread wears less than 2/32-inch in depth.
One method of evaluating tire depth is to use the “penny test.” Place a penny, with Lincoln’s head upside down, into the groove between the tread ribs. If you can see Abe’s whole head at any groove location, then you should replace that tire.
What Can Cause Early Wear?
Because vehicles, drivers, and driving habits differ from each other, tires do not always wear the same way. Sports cars with high-performance tires show wear and tear faster than touring tires on a family sedan. Two other factors can cause irregular tire wear: having the front end out of alignment and improper tire pressure.
What is Improper Tire Pressure?
Tires that are improperly inflated tend to wear unevenly. Vehicle manufacturers specify the tire pressure to optimize performance, handling and fuel economy.
What You Need To Know About Wheel Alignment
Wheel alignment can help your tires perform properly and last longer. It can also improve handling and keep your steering from pulling in one direction or another. One other symptom of misalignment is strange vibrations in your wheels as you drive down the road. When these symptoms arise, please see your [[dealerName]] Service Department.
Importance of Tire Alignment
Tire alignment/wheel alignment refers to the adjustment of a vehicle’s steering and suspension elements and the system that connects and controls the motion of the wheels. It is not the adjustment of wheels or tires themselves.
There are 3 things a technician usually looks for when checking your tire alignment:
Camber
Camber: This is the outward or inward angle of the tire when viewed from the front of the vehicle. Positive or negative camber occurs when there is too much outward or inward angle. Worn bearings, ball joints, and other wheel-suspension parts may contribute to camber misalignment.
Toe
Toe alignment is the extent to which your tires turn outward or inward when viewed from above. Think about when your feet are angled inward towards the center of your body. When the tires on your car are angled the same way (in terms of bird's-eye view), this is toe-in alignment. Angle your feet outward and you have toe-out alignment. Both require adjustment.
Caster
Your caster angle helps balance cornering, steering, and stability. This is the angle of your steering axis when viewed from the side of your vehicle. You have a negative caster when the steering axis tilts toward the front of your vehicle. If you have a positive caster, the steering axis is tilted towards the driver.