It is safe to say that the tires on our cars are responsible for getting us to every destination we have. Without them, it will be hard to travel any amount of distance, and the smallest error in tire pressure or inflation has the ability to change your vacation dramatically. But how do you know when your tires need to be replaced? Instead of heading to an expensive tire company for a quote, read this list first for some warning signs to keep an eye out for.

The tread depth is wearing down

The treads on your tires are what gives them traction to drive properly on the road. When you have low tread depth, your tires can slip and slide around, however since every tire manufacturer is different it can be confusing to figure out when to change. A good rule of thumb to figure out if your depth is too short is to use the penny test. This is when you take a penny and with Lincoln’s head upside down, put it in your tread. If you can see his head, then you need new tires right away. Also make sure to do this trick if you are in the market for used tires to ensure a good bargain.

Cracks in the sidewall


A quick visual test of the sidewall will give you everything you need to know — make sure to look out for stretching, cracks, or cuts in the place where the tire meets the hubcap. If these cracks are big enough to be noticed at a first glance, this shows your tires are at a risk for leaks or is about ready to blow out.

A lot of vibration while driving

It is normal to have some vibrations when you are driving, but if it is extremely noticeable this can be a sign your tire has blown out. This is a symptom for many different problems such as tires that are out of alignment or unbalanced, or the shock absorbers are failing. Considering that this is a major warning sign for plenty of problems, head to a reputable tire company as soon as possible to get the situation fixed.