The Pilot News - The Shopper

4 signs it’s time to replace your tires

- Metro Creative Connection

1. Which group had a hit with “Rock and Roll Is Here to Stay”?

2. How much did the Beatles earn for their appearance­s on “The Ed Sullivan Show” in 1964?

3. Which artist was literally a one-man band?

Answers

1. Danny & the Juniors, in 1958. They were originally known

Inflation has been a hot topic for several years, as the cost of everything from groceries to gas to housing has increased considerab­ly since 2019. Cars are no exception to that phenomenon, and anyone who has purchased a new car over the last half decade likely experience­d some sticker shock when they started their search for a new vehicle. Data from Kelley Blue Book indicates the average cost of a new car was $37,590 in 2019. By 2023, the average cost had risen to $47,899. That marks an increase of more than 27 percent in a four-year period.

Cars are indeed a significan­t investment, which underscore­s the importance of vehicle maintenanc­e. Maintenanc­e is more than just tending to what’s under the hood. Tires also require drivers’ attention, as aging, damaged tires pose a safety risk that also compromise vehicle performanc­e. Tires are easily overlooked, but the following are four signs tires need to be replaced.

1. Worn tread: The automotive experts at AutoZone® note that tread depth is the most prevalent indicator that a tire needs to be replaced. AutoZone® notes that tread depth should always be at least 2⁄32 of an inch throughout the tire. Depth should be measured across the tread and around the circumfere­nce. If the tread is at or below 2⁄32 of an inch, the tire should be replaced.

2. Bulges, gouges or cracks: Geico® notes that a deflated as the Juvenaires, until DJ Dick Clark suggested a name change.

2. They earned $2,400 for each of three performanc­es. That’s worth about $24,000 today.

3. Trent Reznor. He could play all the instrument­s but would temporaril­y hire other musicians while on tour to play with him under the name Nine Inch Nails. He must be doing something right because he’s netted 13 Grammy nomination­s. tire bulges at the sides, and that can compromise the safety of everyone in the vehicle. AutoZone® says bulges occur when air gets between the inner liner and outer rubber layers, which can happen after hitting a curb or driving over a sizable pothole. A gouge or cut that is deeper than the outer layer of the tire also necessitat­es replacemen­t.

3. Poor grip: Drivers may be able to feel certain tire problems, including poor grip, while driving. In such instances, tires may feel as though they are slipping. The tire experts at Firestone note that low tread can reduce tire traction and cause wheels to slip, which may be more noticeable when accelerati­ng from a stop or driving on wet roads. Drivers who feel their tires are slipping can test the tread and replace tires that are low.

4. Vibration: Vibration is another issue drivers may feel rather than see. And identifyin­g the cause requires noting where the vibrations are felt. Geico® notes that a feeling of vibration or thumping that feels like it’s coming from under the seats may indicate the tires are not balanced. A suspension issue could be to blame if the steering wheel feels like it’s vibrating. Either feeling should be brought to the attention of a mechanic immediatel­y.

Tire issues affect vehicle performanc­e and compromise the safety of drivers, their passengers and fellow motorists. When vehicles are not performing at peak capacity, drivers should not overlook various tire issues as a potential cause of such troubles.

 ?? ??

Newspapers in English

Newspapers from United States