"There are many ways to assess the remainder of a tires driving life. From production date to abnormal wear, here's what we look out for when we inspect your tires."

• Age: If it's been a long time since you've replaced the tires, start by checking the tire date. Molded into the sidewall of the tires is the week/year that they were manufactured. Tires should be replaced before their 10th birthdate, Porsche's before their 6th. Driving old tires can be dangerous, even if they've been sitting in a garage safe from the elements. Over time the tires form small cracks & degrade. Chances are if you drive your car frequently, your tires will need to be replaced before tire age is even a concern.

• Normal Wear: A quick way to see if your tires are due to be replaced is checking the tread left on them. If you have a penny, you can do it yourself. Turn the penny upside down & place it in between the tread. If the tread goes across Lincoln's forehead, you're good to keep driving. If the tread doesn't cover any of Lincoln's head or hair, it's time to replace the tires. Make sure to check every tire & to check that the tires are wearing evenly. Once any place on the tire fails the penny test, the whole tire fails. In the industry, we have a saying, "The wear bars are showing." What this means is that the tread is so worn you can see the wear bars located in between the tread. If the wear bars are exposed or touching the ground, the tires need immediate replacement.

• Abnormal Wear: There are a few common causes of abnormal tire wear, one of the easiest problems to correct being improper tire inflation. When the tires are under or over-inflated, it changes the way they come in contact with the road. You can find the manufacturer's tire pressure recommendations in the owner's manual. When a tire is wearing unevenly or prematurely it can be a symptom of an out-of-spec alignment. Tires shouldn't wear faster on one side. If you're struggling with vibrations, try to have your tires balanced. In the event that doesn't help or if you have abnormal tire wear, the tires need a closer examination. If you're not sure about the way your tires are wearing, give us a call & we'll help you!