Check to See if You Need a New Set of Nitto Terra Grappler Tires
31st Mar 2017
If you are like most car or truck drivers, you put off checking your tires until you wind up with problems. According to statistics, over 11,000 vehicle crashes every year can be attributed to tire failure. The last thing you want is to become a statistic. So for your safety, and others, you should check your tires to see if you need a new set of Nitto Terra Grappler tires.
Tire Age
Most vehicle manufacturers recommend that regardless of mileage, you should change your tires every six years. Tire manufacturers stretch that out to every 10 years. So it is safe to say if you have had your tires for more than 10 years, you should probably get a new set.
Better still, check the recommendations on your specific tires and see what it says.
Worn Tread
Use the penny method to check the depth of the grooves on your tires; if Abe’s head isn't covered, that is a sign your tread is getting low. Should your tread fall under 1/16 of an inch, you have very little tread left and your vehicle will have trouble gripping the road.
This lack of grip on the road puts you at a much higher risk of getting in an accident.
Check the Sidewall
If there are cracks or cuts on the sides of your tires that can be seen with the naked eye, your chances of a blowout increase exponentially.
A blowout is something you want to avoid at all costs. These cracks are usually brought on by lots of sunlight and heat, so if you live in a state where the sun shines a lot and the temperatures are high, your tires will not last as long.
Bulges
Bulges and blisters on your tires are as bad as having cracks. If you see a blister or bulge, you need to take care of it immediately.
Vibrating Steering Wheel
If you have tires that are unevenly worn, you might feel a vibration in your steering wheel when you drive. It could just be your tires are unbalanced, but have them checked to make sure.
If it turns out you are driving on bad tires and wind up buying a new set of Nitto Terra Grappler tires, you will want to make sure you maintain them well.
Proper Pressure
You should always set your tires at the pressure specified by the manufacturer. Overinflated tires are rigid and stiff and cause a reduction in the patch of tire that meets the road. Overinflated tires also give you a rougher ride and will lead to uneven treadwear.
Underinflated tires cannot hold their shape and are flatter to the ground. This means that more of the tire comes in contact with the road and this causes the shoulders of the tires to wear prematurely.
There are many factors that affect tire pressure, like temperature for example. It is important that you check your tires every day to ensure they are at the proper pressure.
Tire Rotation
Rotating your tires on a regular basis holds blowout number of benefits. First of all, it helps maintain even tread wear on all four of your tires. This prolongs the life of your tires and leads to improved gas mileage and smoother rides.
Uneven tire wear is a common sign that you need to have them rotated. If you feel a vibration in your steering wheel or can hear tire noise, these are other signs you need to have your tires rotated.
Respect Load Capacity
Never exceed the load capacity as recommended by the manufacturer. Doing so puts you at risk of a blowout.