Tires are some of the most important elements of your vehicle. As the only part meant to touch the ground, your car's tires see plenty of wear and tear. But how do you know when it's time for new tires? Luckily, there are simple ways to check.
The Signs
One easy way to tell your vehicle needs new tires is to check the expiration date – yes, even tires have expiration dates. Generally speaking, tires last around six years, so keep an eye on them around the five-year mark. Most tires also have tread wear indicators in the rubber; these indicators make odd, annoying noises and are easily visible, an intentional design to get people to recognize when their tires are past their prime. Of course, a fairly obvious sign is when your tires have damage. Damage of any kind means you need new tires.