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Your tires are the only part of your car in contact with the surface. Continual surface contact causes wear and tear on even the best tires. Worn tires are dangerous, as they can easily lead to an accident. As your Acura dealer, we’d like you to know some of the signs you need to visit us for new tires.
Lincoln Penny Test
A good tread thickness is essential for safe driving, as the tread allows your tires to grip the surface effectively. Tread makes braking faster and more effective, and increases your driving control. The raised tread on a tire wears down as you drive, and once the tread reaches a thickness of only 1/16″ inch, that tire needs replacement.
The penny test involves placing a Lincoln penny upside down in the grooves between the tread. Your tread is in great condition if you can only see Lincoln’s chin. If you can see his face up to the hairline, your tread is worn and will need replacement soon. Finally, if you can see the top of Lincoln’s head, your tires tread is too thin, and you need to visit us ASAP.
Visible Tire Wear Bars
Tire wear bars are small rubber squares in the grooves between the tire tread. They’re not visible on a new tire, as they’re obscured by the tread, but they will become more noticeable as your tire gradually wear down. These bars are an important indicator of tire tread health. The more visible the tire wear bars, the thinner your tire tread is.
It’s important for your safety and long-term tire health to regularly examine the wear bars. If the wear bars are the same level as your tread, your tires are very worn and need to be replaced. We can easily confirm worn tires, and our technicians can fit and balance replacement tires for you while you wait. We always have stock of the correct tire size for your car in a choice of all major brands.
Tire Bulges
A tire bulge or bubble is a sign of internal tire damage. A bulge is formed when part of the tire is pinched against a hard, solid object. The usual cause of a tire bulge is catching the tire against a curb. Air becomes concentrated in the bulge, which stretches the rubber and makes it thinner.
A bulge won’t increase in size, but it causes a permanent weak point on a tire. Driving with a bulge in the tire is dangerous, as the bulge can rupture at any time and cause a blowout. We can’t repair a bulge, but we can install a replacement tire for you.
If you have worn or damaged tires, call our service department today at Ed Martin Acura.
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