Every year, there are 15,000 road accidents in the US because of poorly-maintained tires. Even if your Ford tires are Michelin, Continental, Bridgestone, or another top brand, all tires can eventually wear down to a dangerous degree. Because of this, it's important to inspect your tires at least once a month. If you notice any of the following six factors, it might be time to visit your local Ford dealer for replacements.
Embedded Objects
If you notice any objects like rocks, screws, nails, or
random bits of metal embedded in the rubber of your tire, take them out. If the
object dug all the way into the liner beneath the rubber, you have a puncture
on your hands. These kinds of punctures are often hard to detect because the
object blocks the airflow, but the tire still needs to be replaced.
Air Loss
Many punctures are so small that they're difficult to
notice. A tiny cut or crack might seem innocent enough, but if it goes deep
then air could be escaping. If you notice inexplicable air loss, never ignore
it. Even the smallest puncture can cause a blowout on the road.
Bulges of Bumps
Any kind of bulge or lump on the tread section of a tire
indicates tire separation. This is where the air has gotten in between the
layers of tire rubber. A tire with this problem is no longer structurally sound
and needs to be changed out.
Wide Cracks
As a tire ages, it's ok if it naturally develops a few fine
cracks. But monitor these cracks to make sure they don't begin to enlarge.
Wider cracks can begin to weaken the tire, especially if you're able to see the
woven under-fabric through the crack.
More often than not, cracks develop in the voids between the treads, and also
along the walls of the tire. So pay particular attention to these places during
your monthly tire inspection.
Tread Separation
Once the rubber of a tire begins to degrade, you might
experience tread separation. This occurs at the joint where the treads meet the
sidewall. If a crack emerges there that's large enough to squeeze a credit card
into, then the tire's no longer safe to drive upon.
Worn Treads
Your tire treads need to be deep enough to handle the sudden
traction stress of accelerating or braking. If your tire treads ever shrink to
2/32 of an inch, then it's no longer deep enough for safe driving. Most Ford
drivers sensibly replace their tires long before tread depth becomes this
shallow.
How a Ford Dealer Helps Your Tires Last Longer
Your local dealership can help you maintain your tires with a few key services. Firstly, they can rotate your tires, which allows all four tires to wear down more evenly. Tire rotation is recommended every 5,000 miles or so.
They can also balance each of your tires, which gets rid of any heavy spots, extending the tire's lifespan. Lastly, they can check and correct your wheel alignment. Even minor wheel misalignment can lead to reduced handling, vibrations on the road, and uneven tire wear.
To have your tires examined or replaced by certified technicians, visit Crain Ford of Jacksonville. We're a one-stop-shop for all Ford vehicle servicing, purchasing, and financing needs.
Image via Ford.
