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It’s easy for drivers to take their tires for granted. We’re all guilty of procrastinating regular maintenance items, tire checks included. Your tires are the only part of your car that comes in direct contact with the road, therefore this is an item that should not be overlooked. Here are a few simple ways you can perform a DIY tire check to ensure your tires are in proper working order:

-Take a few minutes to check each tire for any signs of uneven wear, bulges in the sidewalls, or exposed cords and belts. The sidewalls' material is tough and can stand up to curb scrapes, but use your own judgment as to what might be more serious damage. Bulges usually mean that tire failure is imminent.

-Look at the tread surface by running your hand over the area and check for irregularities. A “feathered” or “sawtooth” feel on the tread face means shock absorber or suspension problems. Check all the way around the entire tread face and be on the lookout for uneven wear at the outside and inside edge. This is an indicator of alignment problems.

-Check the tires’ tread depth. A simple way to check your tire’s tread depth is with a penny. That’s right, good ole’ Abe Lincoln can help make sure your tires are in good shape! Take a penny and stick it in the tire’s tread groove with Lincoln’s head upside down and facing you. If you can see all of Lincoln’s head, it’s time to shop for new tires.

Worn tires handle poorly, ride rougher, and are overall unsafe when it comes to braking performance and wet-weather traction. If your tires are at this point, don’t delay! New England Car Care Centers offer a wide variety of tires and perform quality tire maintenance and repair. Schedule an appointment, stop by one of our convenient locations, or give us a call today.