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How do I know if I need new tires? It’s a question that all car owners have probably asked themselves at one time or another, and Hilltop Tire Service is here to help. Often, car owners don’t think much about the quality of their tires until right before a long road trip or the first major snowfall of the season. Tire wear depends on how often you drive, the driving conditions your tires are subjected to and even the way you drive your vehicle. Severe tire wear can lead to tire failure, which can be problematic - or potentially catastrophic.

There are a number of warning signs to help you know if you should buy new tires. Tread depth is one of the most visible of these signs. We've all seen bald tires, right? You should never let the depth of the tread on your tires fall below 1/16 of an inch. In wet or slippery conditions it would be best to have at least twice that much. You can buy a tire tread gauge, or you could simply use a penny. Just grab a Lincoln head penny and insert it down into the tread of your tire with Mr. Lincoln’s head facing into the tread.

Be sure to move the coin back and forth around the tire, as tires don’t always wear the same all the way around. If the top of Mr. Lincoln’s head is always covered, you have more than 2/32” of tread depth left. You can also perform the same test with a quarter. If the top of Mr. Washington’s head is always covered, you have more than 4/32” of tread remaining. And you can use the back side of a penny too. If the top of the Lincoln Memorial is always covered, you have more than 6/32” of tread depth left.

Be sure to perform this tread depth measurement test in the center groove and both the inner and outer groove as well. In most states, tires are legally worn out if they have less than 2/32” of tread remaining, and that is also the case in Iowa. Obviously, the worse the road conditions, the more tread depth your tires should have. If conditions are wet you have a better chance of hydroplaning if the tread depth of your tires is low. If road conditions are slippery, your chances of sliding off the road are greater if your tread depth is lower as well.

Hilltop Tire Service has been serving the Des Moines, Iowa area for more than 88 years. You can stop in and have your tire depth checked at one of our three convenient locations anytime during our regular business hours. If your tires aren’t safe, we can help you find a new set from a brand you know and trust such as Bridgestone, Firestone, Michelin or General. Hilltop Tire Service is a one-stop-shop for all your auto repair, auto service and tire needs.

Many new tires, including several we have in stock here at Hilltop Tire, have a built-in convenience that older tires do not – a tread wear indicator bar. These bars are invisible or barely visible when the tires are new and gradually begin to appear as the tires wear. These indicators are flat, rubber bars that run perpendicular to the tread itself. If you can see more than one or two of these tread wear indicators on your tire, it means the tread is getting low.

Cracks in the sidewall are another indicator that you need new tires. Tiny cracks are not a big issue, but large cracks that are easily visible to the naked eye are a sign that your tires may be developing a leak or may blow out. If the cracks are beginning to look serious, you should replace your tires immediately. Bulges and blisters are another issue that you should be looking for. If there are ever bulges or blisters on your tire that extend outward, you need to replace the tire immediately.

Stop in to one of our convenient locations today and let our friendly staff help get your vehicle in tip top shape. We offer a full range of automotive services including preventative maintenance, alignments, brakes, and of course tires. Whether you want to check the tires on your personal vehicle or you have an entire fleet that needs attention, Hilltop Tire Service can assist you in making your vehicle(s) safe and ready for any road conditions.