9-58When It Is Time for NewTiresVarious factors, such asmaintenance, temperatures, drivingspeeds, vehicle loading, and roadconditions influence when you neednew tires.One way to tell when it is time fornew tires is to check the treadwearindicators, which appear when thetires have only 1.6 mm (1/16 inch) orless of tread remaining.The vehicle needs new tires if any ofthe following statements are true:• You can see the indicators atthree or more places around thetire.• You can see cord or fabricshowing through the tire's rubber.• The tread or sidewall is cracked,cut, or snagged deep enough toshow cord or fabric.• The tire has a bump, bulge, orsplit.• The tire has a puncture, cut, orother damage that cannot berepaired well because of the sizeor location of the damage.The rubber in tires degrades overtime. This is also true for the sparetire, if the vehicle has one, even if it isnot being used. Multiple conditionsaffect how fast this aging takesplace, including temperatures,loading conditions, and inflationpressure maintenance. With propercare and maintenance tires typicallywear out before they degrade due toage. If you are unsure about theneed to replace the tires as they getolder, consult the tire manufacturerfor more information.srx.book Page 58 Monday, June 8, 2009 8:28 AM
