Dec 9, 2022

Good tires are vital for your driving safety. Tires wear down due to friction with the surface and environmental factors. In time, you’ll need new tires. As your Ford dealer, we can easily fit new ones for you. These are a few of the signs to watch for that your tires need to be replaced soon.

Time for New Tires? Visit Your Ford Dealer Today

Cracks in the Sidewalls

The sidewalls of your tires are made from a softer rubber than the tread. Sunlight and a variety of other factors gradually reduce the flexibility of the rubber. As the rubber becomes less flexible, it becomes prone to cracks. You may notice slight cracks in the sidewalls and eventually even in the tread. These cracks will gradually deepen as your tires move.

Cracks are dangerous, as they represent a weakness in the rubber. If a crack is deep enough, it can create a hole, and the air will start leaking out of your tires. It’s also possible that a crack can lead to a blowout when you’re driving. If you notice these cracks, we advise that you bring your car into our service department so we can check the condition of your tires.

Driving on a Donut

The spare tire is affectionately known as a donut, and it’s designed to be used in emergencies only. It’s intended to replace a blown tire, and allow you to drive far enough to get a replacement tire installed. Spare tires aren’t built to the same standards as regular tires, which makes them less durable. Spare tires also have less traction and cornering ability than regular tires.

When you fit a spare tire, it’s intended for use for either 50 miles or 50 minutes of travel. Once this time is up, a spare tire should be replaced with a regular tire.

Bald Tires

The tread is an essential part of your tires. It allows the tire to grip the surface and keeps your car stable. The tread slowly wears down due to friction with the surface. As the tread wears, you’ll notice your cornering and handling become slightly more difficult. If the tread is allowed to wear out completely, this creates a smooth tire surface.

Bald tires are very dangerous. Without the tread, your tires can’t get a sure grip on the surface. This makes driving difficult under normal conditions and even worse in rainy or snowy conditions. Your ABS will also have difficulty working correctly due to poor tire grip. If your tires have reached this level, they need to be replaced ASAP.

If your tires look worn or damaged, come in and see us at Rochester Ford. Our Ford-trained technicians will speedily fit new ones for you.