Safety on the road starts with the tires. Although they sometimes go unnoticed, they are the only direct contact between your vehicle and the asphalt. Therefore, keeping them in optimal condition is not a luxury, but a necessity. Recognizing the exact moment to change tires can make the difference between a safe trip and one full of risks.
In this article, we explain how to identify signs of wear, what factors can accelerate deterioration and why choosing an affordable mechanic in Barcelona like Car Solutions is a smart decision.
Why is changing tires crucial?
Driving with tires in poor condition affects much more than the aesthetics of your car. These are some of the risks you can avoid by keeping them in good condition:
- Loss of traction and stability: Especially on wet surfaces or tight turns.
- Longer braking distance: This increases the chances of accidents.
- Wear on other components of the car: Such as the suspension and brakes, due to extra effort to compensate for grip problems.
It’s not just about complying with the regulations (although in Spain it is mandatory that it be at least 1.6 mm), but about ensuring your safety and that of those who travel with you.
5 clear signs that you need a tire replacement:
- Tread depth: The tread is the first indicator you should check. If the tread depth is less than 1.6 mm, the tyre loses its effectiveness, especially in wet conditions. An easy way to check this is to use a 1 euro coin: if the gold edge is visible when you insert it into the groove, it’s time to change your tyres!
- Cracks or bulges on the sidewalls: Over time, tyres suffer wear due to weather conditions, impacts or inadequate tyre pressure. If you notice cracks or bulges, it’s a clear sign that the rubber has lost elasticity and can fail at any time.
- Excessive vibrations when driving: Although a slight vibration is normal, excessive levels could be a sign of uneven wear or alignment problems. Ignoring this problem can lead to accelerated and costly deterioration of other components of your vehicle.
- Uneven wear: If you notice that one side of the tire is more worn than the other, it could be due to problems with the alignment or suspension. This type of wear not only affects the stability of the car, but also reduces the lifespan of the wheels.
- Age of the tire: Even if you don’t use your car frequently, tires have a limited lifespan. In general, it is recommended to change them every 5 or 6 years, since the rubber loses its properties over time. The manufacturing date is indicated on the side of the tire, in a four-digit code (for example, “2519” means that it was manufactured in week 25 of the year 2019).
What factors accelerate tire wear?
In addition to visible signs, there are external factors that can cause your tires to need replacing sooner than expected:
- Improper tire pressure: Driving with over- or under-inflated tires affects both traction and durability.
- Extreme weather: High temperatures can cause rubber to deteriorate faster, while extreme cold can harden it.
- Bad driving habits: Hard braking, sharp turns, or driving on uneven terrain can wear out your tires more quickly.
Maintenance tips preventive:
Although wear is inevitable, good maintenance can extend the life of your tires:
- Check tire pressure every two weeks: Correct tire pressure not only improves safety, but also reduces fuel consumption.
- Get your tires aligned and balanced periodically: This ensures even wear and a more stable ride.
- Rotate your tires: Change the front and rear tires every 10,000 kilometers. This balances wear and increases its useful life.
- Avoid overloading your vehicle: Excessive weight puts additional pressure on the tires, reducing their performance.
Why choose Car Solutions?
At Car Solutions, we are not only a cheap mechanic’s workshop in Barcelona, we are your ally on the road. We understand that tires are an investment in your safety, and that’s why we offer you:
- A free diagnosis of the condition of your wheels.
- Personalized advice to choose the tires that best suit your vehicle and your driving style.
- Competitive prices and exclusive promotions on every tire change.
- A team of highly trained professionals who will take care of everything while you enjoy the peace of mind of being in good hands.
Remember that tires in poor condition can turn any journey into an unnecessary risk. If you have noticed any of the signs we mentioned or just want to make sure everything is in order, come to Car Solutions, your reference for car workshops in Barcelona.
Don’t risk your safety. Come and change your tires with us. Contact us!
