11 Obvious Signs You Need New Tires

Let’s face it, tires aren’t the first thing on your mind when you jump into your car, but they are crucial for keeping you safe on the road. Tires wear down, and letting them go too long can lead to risky situations or even a total blowout.

Whether you’re commuting to work or getting ready for a road trip, it’s important to know when it’s time to change those tires. These are 11 clear signs that your tires are due for a swap.

Bubbles and Blisters

tire bubble — Image Credit: Osnetwork, CC BY-SA 3.0, Wiki Commons,

Have you spotted any weird bulges or blisters on your tires? That’s not just odd-looking, it’s a serious warning sign. These bumps mean the tire’s rubber is getting weak and could blow out without warning while you’re driving. It’s like having a weak spot on a balloon that could pop at any moment. If you see anything like this, don’t wait! Get those tires replaced to avoid any risky situations on the road.

Low Tread

When it’s time to check your tire’s tread, look for the built-in tread wear indicators: tiny rubber bumps that are hard to spot on new tires but become more obvious as the tire wears down. If these indicators are level with the tire tread, it means your tire is worn out and it’s time to replace it. These indicators sit at a critical point of 2/32 inches, marking the safety limit for tread depth.

Another quick way to check your tire tread is with the good old penny test. Just grab a penny and insert it into the tire tread with Lincoln’s head pointing down. If you can see all of Lincoln’s head, your tread is under 2/32 inches and it’s time for a tire change.

Excessive Car Vibration Issues

excessive vibration 1 — Image Credit: dimaberlinphotos/canva pro.

Feeling more shakes and shimmies while driving than usual? A bit of vibration on rough roads is normal, but if it feels like you’re in a mobile massage chair, there might be an issue. It could be something as simple as your tires being out of balance or having worn-down treads. But since it could also be something more serious like a suspension problem, it’s best to not guess and let a mechanic you trust have a look.

Tires Continuously Losing Pressure

flat tire — Image Credit: MattGush from Getty Images/Canva pro.

Notice your tires always seem to be a bit low on air? This could be more than just a small annoyance. As tires get older, they can start to leak air due to worn-out valves, damaged tire beading, or even cracks in the wheel itself. Rather than just topping off the air and hoping for the best, it’s wise to get them checked out. This can save you from a sudden blowout on the road, and even cut down on those sneaky extra costs on your gas bill caused by underinflated tires.

Rough Ride

Is your car ride feeling unusually bumpy? If every pothole and speed bump seems harsher than it used to, your tires might be to blame. Tires that are past their prime tend to harden and become brittle, losing their ability to absorb shocks effectively. A quick check of the tire’s manufacture date can tell you a lot—if they’re older than five years, they might just be due for a replacement to help make your rides smooth and comfortable again.

Old Tires

Take a look at the sidewall of your tire, and you’ll find a bunch of numbers and letters. Among these, the manufacturing date is crucial. It’s shown as a set of four numbers—like 1520, which means the tire was made in the 15th week of 2020. While there’s no strict law on how old your tires should be before you replace them, most tire makers suggest swapping them out every five years. Over time, tire compounds deteriorate, turning hard and brittle, which can compromise your safety on the road.

Cracks In the Sidewall

cracked sidewall — Image Credit: Terryfic3D from Getty Images Signature/Canva pro.

Keep an eye out for tiny cracks on your tire’s sidewalls. These can be caused by too much sun, getting old, or even from carrying heavy loads. While they might seem small, these hairline cracks can lead to slow air leaks or, worse, a sudden blowout. Tires stored in garages away from harsh weather conditions usually hold up better and take longer to start showing these signs of wear. So, a little shade and shelter can go a long way in keeping your tires in good shape.

Tread Is Wearing Unevenly

uneven wear — Image Credit: welcomia/Canva pro.

Ever notice parts of your tire looking more worn out than others? That’s uneven tread wear, and it’s not just bad for your tires, it’s unsafe and can even be illegal. This usually happens if your tires aren’t inflated just right, or if there’s something off with your car’s alignment or suspension. Underinflated tires often wear thin on the inside edges, which you might miss unless you look under the car. Tires pumped too full? They tend to wear down right in the center. And if you love zipping around corners, you might find the outer edges wearing out faster.

Changes in Handling and Feel

wobbly tire — Image Credit: dimaberlinphotos/Canva pro.

If your car starts to feel weird or wobbly when you’re turning corners, it might be a tire issue. Normally, tires lose grip gradually, so any sudden change in how your car handles is a red flag. This sudden shift could point to a damaged tire or a problem with your wheels. Keeping tabs on how your car feels, especially in turns, can help you catch tire problems before they get serious.

Tread Depth Requirements by State

Each state has its own rules about how deep your tire treads need to be to stay on the right side of the law. While 2/32 inches is a common standard, some places like California and Idaho let you go as low as 1/32 inch. However, there are a few states that want you to keep it at least at 4/32 inches, especially for the tires up front. Make sure to check what your state requires to keep your wheels street-legal.

Bad Grip in Wet Conditions

Driving in rain, snow, or mud? Then the depth of your tire tread really matters. The standard minimum of 2/32 inches might not cut it under slippery conditions. A deeper tread helps your car brake better, corner more safely, and accelerate smoothly without slipping. If you see your car’s Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) light blinking when you pull away from a stoplight, or if your car tends to slide during braking or turning, it’s a heads-up that your treads might be too worn down for the conditions you’re driving in.