The rest of your vehicle may be ready to hit the road, but none of that matters if your tires aren’t up to the job. Your tires play a vital role in keeping you and your passengers safe, steady, and comfortable while traveling. Drivers will often put off getting new tires until something feels off.
So how do you know that it is more than just wear and tear? Discover the five unmistakable signs that you should visit a tire shop.
Worn Tread
Tread depth is essential for traction especially if you plan on driving in rain, snow, or icy conditions. Having an uneven tire wear or worn tread makes it difficult to reach a full stop in a timely manner. Along with this, you may also experience a noise or vibration stemming from the tires when you increase or decrease speed.
If you examine your tires and notice any bulges or cracks you may want to consider having your tires checked. Recognizing these early signs of worn tread can help you avoid bigger issues down the road, so it’s a smart move to have your tires inspected by a trusted tire shop near you.
Sidewall Damage
Make sure that while you are examining your tread depth that you also look at the sidewall of your tires. You can cause damage to your sidewall through curbs, bumps, sidewalls, or even just the age of your tires. If you notice any unusual spots or bubbles on you may want to have your tires inspected to see if you need any tire repair services.
Sidewall damage often goes unnoticed until it leads to a serious issue, like a sudden tire blowout. Unlike tread wear, which occurs gradually, sidewall failures can happen unexpectedly and leave you stranded. That’s why it’s important to take any visible signs seriously.
Constantly Refilling Air
It is normal for your tires to naturally lose air over time, but if you are having to continue to refill your tires, that could be a sign of a leak or faulty valve. Ignoring under inflated tires can cause tires to wear out faster and reduce the overall efficiency.
A tire place near you can run a pressure test, patch up any minor issues, or recommend a replacement if the damage is serious.
Vibrations When Driving
Do you feel a strange vibration when driving at certain speeds? This could be due to uneven tire wear, poor alignment, or internal tire damage. These will often start gradually but overtime they can lead to serious issues with your vehicle.
If you feel a vibration having an alignment service done on your vehicle can help to restore your ride and keep your tires in good condition. Left unchecked, these vibrations can add stress on your suspension and steering components, which may turn a simple fix into a more expensive problem.
Tires Over 6 Years Old
Even if your tires appear to be in good condition, age can affect the quality. Over time, rubber compounds break down due to exposure to heat, sunlight, and oxygen—even if the tread still looks decent. That’s why most tire manufacturers and safety experts recommend replacing tires every six to ten years, regardless of how many miles you’ve put on them.
As tires age, they become harder and more brittle, making them significantly more prone to blowouts, cracking, and reduced traction—especially during emergency braking or sharp turns. If your tires are nearing or past that age window, this is the ideal moment to shop around for tire deals and get ahead of potential issues.
Visit Commercial Tire for Trusted Service and Great Deals Near You
Whether you’re dealing with worn tread, sidewall damage, or simply aging tires, don’t wait until a minor issue becomes a major problem. With locations across Idaho, Oregon, Utah, and Washington Commercial Tire provides a full range of services, including tire repair and replacement, alignments, oil changes, brake work, battery service, and more.
Whether you’re browsing for tires or hunting for the best tire deals, Commercial Tire offers quality, convenience, and confidence every step of the way. Visit your local tire shop or any of their regional locations to keep your vehicle running smoothly and safely.