News

Winter months in Ohio are pretty tough, as you know!

They’re especially tough on a vehicle…about every part and system on a vehicle, actually, and that includes your tires. Once the snow and ice start to melt, there’s a good chance you’re going to encounter some potholes. A hard hit on a pothole can rupture a tire’s internal structure and steel belts, weakening it and stressing it to a point where it may be at risk of failure.  

All-season tires are usually not a great choice for winter driving; they can’t deliver the traction that you need in snow, slush, and ice. It’s even worse if you are starting to notice signs such as:

-Rougher ride or higher noise level

-Horizontal wear indicators visible at base of tread grooves

-Bulges, cracks or damage along sidewall area

-Cord or belts starting to show through tread

State law requires a minimum tread depth of 2/32” to pass inspection. You don’t need a tire tread depth gauge to determine your tread depth; here’s an easy way around it:

Take a penny and insert it into the tire tread grooves, Lincoln’s head down. If the tread barely reaches Lincoln’s head, that’s a depth of 2/32”. Now, take a quarter and perform the same check, with Washington’s head down. Does the tread reach the top of George’s head? That’s a depth of 4/32”. Try the test one more time with a penny. If the rubber touches the Lincoln Memorial, your tread is at a depth of 6/32”.

There’s more to tire lifespan than tread depth and tire condition, however. Wheel alignment problems will cause your front tires to wear unevenly…and that kind of damage is not covered under tire warranties. It’s also essential that you rotate your tires every 5,000 miles or so to ensure even tire wear since no vehicle has 50/50 weight distribution from front to rear.

What kind of condition are your tires in? Is it maybe time for a new set of tires going into the new year? Make an appointment with us at Van’s Tires and check out the great selection of premium brand tires we have in stock!