5 Signs Your Kia Could Use New Tires

To ensure road safety, keeping your tires in prime condition is essential. Visual inspections are not enough to avoid accidents, like a dangerous blowout on the road. Here are some signs to watch out for if you’re wondering whether it’s time to visit your Kia dealer to get new tires.

Tread Erosion

Depth

Tread (the grooves in your tire) should never be shallower than 2/32”. If you often drive on wet or icy roads, a deeper tread is safer as it gives your tires better grip. So, if you live in a rainy place, your ideal tire depth is 4/32″. This can be measured with a tire tread depth gauge.

One way to check that your tread is deep enough is The Penny Test. Push a penny into the groove, ensuring that Abraham Lincoln’s head faces down into the tire. If Lincoln’s forehead disappears, your tread is safe, but if you can see the top of his head, you should replace your tires.

Wear

You should also check the wear on your tires. Replacing worn and balding tires gives better handling and control on the road. If the wear on your tires is uneven, that’s a sign you need to check your tire pressure and get to a dealer as soon as possible.

Some newer tires have “tread wear indicator bars” built into them. Ask your dealer if these could be an option for you. The indicator bars run inside the tire in the same direction as the tread. When they appear, it’s time to replace your tires.

Sidewall Cracks or Bulges

Look out for grooves or hairline cuts on the side of your tires. If you often drive on potholed or bumpy roads, you may notice your tires starting to bulge. Bulges and cracks are early signs of leaks, and if you continue to drive on tires like this, you could suffer wheel and suspension damage or a major blowout on the road. If you see any of these signs, get your tires replaced soon.

Excessive Vibrations

While some level of vibration is normal in certain cars, excessive vibrations are a problem. Potentially, there are many reasons why your car is vibrating. Misaligned or unbalanced tires could be the cause, so you should get your wheels balanced. If the vibrations continue, there could be an internal problem with your tires and you need to get them checked.

Get to Your Nearest KIA Dealer

If you notice any of the above signs, or if your warning lights are flashing on your dashboard, it’s time to get your vehicle to your local dealer. Even if you’re not sure, it’s always better to be safe than sorry, so schedule an appointment as soon as possible.

As we mentioned above, tire life depends on many factors. As a rule of thumb, you should get new ones every 50,000 miles, or ten years. Have questions? Come into Crain Kia of Sherwood for more information and to schedule a service. You’ll find us on Warden road at the intersection with Wildwood Ave.

Image via Kia.

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