Blog

4 Ways to Check If Your Tires Are Still Roadworthy

Unknown person inspecting tires

Tires are one of the most important parts of your vehicle. As the only part of a car that directly connects with the road, it’s vital to keep your tires in good condition, as they ensure proper handling, braking, stability, and more. Travelling with worn-out tires comes with several risks, including the possibility of reduced control. You can check to see if your vehicle’s tires are still worthy of the road. Follow along with the service experts at Yellowknife Motors to learn how. 

 

[Service Department] [Book a Service Appointment] [Contact Us]

You May Also Like:

What To Do If Your Check Engine Light Comes On

4 Clear Signs Your Engine’s Spark Plugs or Coil Packs Are Failing

Signs You Need a New Car Battery

 

1. Check Tire Pressure

Perhaps the easiest way to ensure your tires are good for the road is to check the pressure. Proper inflation is important for safety, vehicle performance, and the lifespan of your tires. Underinflated and overinflated tires can lead to uneven wear and require you to replace your tires prematurely. Checking the pressure with a tire pressure gauge is an easy and effective way to ensure your tires are roadworthy. 

 

2. Use a Tire Tread Gauge

One of the ways to check if your tires are roadworthy is to check the tread depth. Proper tread depth is important for grip and traction, especially in snowy or wet conditions. Reduced tread depth could result in longer braking distances and loss of control. A tire tread gauge is a great tool to measure the depth of your tread as it provides accurate measurements. You can also complete the toonie test. If the tread of your tires reaches the paws of the polar bear, your tires are in good shape.

 

3. Check for Uneven Wear

Inspecting your tires for uneven tread wear is another great way to ensure roadworthiness. The service experts at Yellowknife Motors can check if one side of your tire has more wear than the other. We can also inspect the sidewalls for cracks and check if the tires have any bald spots, which is a clear indicator of excessive wear. 

 

4. Tire Age

Tires are largely made up of rubber, which does deteriorate over time. Even if you can’t notice anything overtly wrong with your vehicle’s tires, they should be changed every six to ten years, depending on how much you drive. To check the age of your tires, locate the Tire Identification Number. It usually starts with DOT and contains four digits at the end. The first two numbers represent the week the tires were manufactured, and the last two detail the year.

 

Get Your Tires Inspected at Yellowknife Motors

If you’re unsure about the roadworthiness of your tires, the service technicians at Yellowknife Motors are here to help. You can schedule an appointment with a service specialist online and take advantage of our amazing promotions. Explore our available services and contact us with any questions. We look forward to keeping your vehicle healthy!