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How to Check Your Tires

Tires are often one of the most neglected components of vehicle maintenance, yet they are the sole point of contact your car has with the road.

The state of your tire wear can reveal a lot about the condition of your car—such as uneven tire pressure, misaligned suspension, worn-out parts, and more—and with our unpredictable Canadian weather, it’s essential to stay on top of tire maintenance. 

We’re here to provide you with simple, actionable steps that you can perform at home to keep an eye on your vehicle’s condition. And remember, if you need a helping hand or expert advice, we’re just a message or call away, ready to help you ensure your car remains in top condition.

Tire Depth

A Simple Guide to Evaluating Your Tire Tread with a Toonie

  1. Insert the toonie into the groove of your tire tread with the outer edge facing down.
  2. If the tread covers the bear’s paws on the coin, your tires are likely in good condition.
  3. If the silver part of the toonie is covered by the tread, your tires are approximately halfway worn.
  4. When the tread extends only to about the middle of the toonie’s letters, it’s time to consider purchasing new tires.

Identifying Tire Tread Wear Indicators:

Many tires come with tread wear indicators embedded within the grooves. These indicators serve as a benchmark for the minimum safe tread depth. Once these indicators appear flush with your tire tread, it indicates that tire replacement is due.

Ready for new tires? Visit us—we offer Tires at Cost, ensuring you get the best deal when it’s time for a change.

What Your Tires Are Telling You

Tire wear patterns reveal much about the condition of your vehicle.

  • Proper Inflation: Adhere to your vehicle’s recommended tire pressure, found on the driver’s door pillar placard, to prevent under or over inflation.

  • Camber Wear: This wear indicates potential suspension misalignment, which may cause the vehicle to veer.

  • Toe Wear: Displaying as diagonal feathering on the tire, this issue usually rectifies with a proper wheel alignment.

  • Cupping: Dips in the tire tread often point to worn suspension parts.

  • Patchy Wear: Uneven bald spots on the tire suggest imbalances or possibly aging shock absorbers.

Consistent inspections are key to maximizing your tires’ lifespan.

Summer, Winter, All Season, & All Weather Tires

Choosing the right tires can be tricky, so it’s important to know the differences:

  • All-Weather: Good for moderate winter drivers, they have an aggressive tread for better grip and meet the 3-peak mountain snowflake standard.
  • All-Season: Offer reliable traction in mild conditions but are not ideal for severe Canadian winters; best for use from spring to fall.
  • Winter: Tailored for Canada’s harsh winters, they stay pliable in the cold for superior traction on snow and ice; the top choice for winter driving.
  • Summer: Best for high-performance driving in wet and dry conditions, they’re not meant for winter weather.

Contact our experts to help you choose the correct tire for you!

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