Are your tires dangerous?

“If you have a long commute or are about to take a trip, you may want to give your tires a good once over,” reads this article from ABC’s Houston, TX affiliate ABC13.

Tires have to be built to exacting standards, but their vulcanized, rugged exteriors aren’t perfect. If your tires are old, you may start to see signs of cracking – a clear warning that a tire is past its prime. The hot summer weather can turn those cracks into tire failure.

Besides cracks, you should check your tires for other signs of trouble. If you see the wear bars in the tread of your tire, you need new tires immediately!

So before the long trip this summer, or even just before you head out on your daily commute, check those tires!

Click here to find out more about how to read the date codes on your tire, and check for signs of wear.

Posted on July 22, 2009 by admin

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Early warning signs of tire failure

Have you observed any of these signs of trouble when inspecting your tires?

  • Cracking or cuts in the sidewalls.
  • Uneven tread wear. This can be caused by improper inflation, misaligned wheels, damaged tires, or by problems with suspension parts.
  • Excessively worn tread. Most modern tires have tread-wear indicator bars running across the tread, which signal the minimum allowable tread depth of 1/16-inch. When the tread wears down to these bars, it’s time for new tires. Inexpensive tread-wear gauges are available at auto-parts and tire stores.
  • Bulges or blisters. If you see a bulge or blister on the sidewall, replace the tire at once. These signal potential weak spots that could lead to tire failure.
  • Excessive vibration. Tire vibration may be a sign a wheel is misaligned, unbalanced, or bent. It could also signify internal tire damage. Don’t ignore vibration: Have the vehicle serviced at once.

If yes, then according to Consumer Reports, your tires are exhibiting early warning signs of tire failure.  Stop by Frank’s Tire for a new set of tires to keep yourself and your family safe!

Posted on December 20, 2007 by admin

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