4 Signs Your Kia Needs New Tires

Ensuring your Kia’s tires are in good condition is vital, as they are the only components in contact with the road surface. With use, the treads wear down, or a tire can get damaged, which can directly impact your vehicle’s handling and safety. To ensure your Kia is safe to drive, here are signs to look out for that indicate it’s time for new tires from your Kia dealership.

Low Tread Depth and Uneven Wear Patterns

Proper tread depth is essential for traction, which provides reliable acceleration, braking, and cornering. Make it a habit to inspect your tires regularly for wear. If you notice uneven or inconsistent wear patterns or can clearly see the wear indicators, perform the penny test by inserting Lincoln’s head into the grooves. The tire is worn if you can see the top of his head. 

Sidewall Damage

Inspect each tire on your Kia carefully for any indication of damage. Look out for structural damage, such as cuts, cracks, and bulges on the sidewalls, which are often the result of driving over debris on the road. Sidewall damage could lead to a blowout and cause a traffic accident, putting you and your passengers at risk. While our technicians can repair a puncture, sidewall damage is a definite sign you need to replace the tire promptly.

Driving Discomfort and Vibrations

Always pay attention to how your Kia performs while on the road. Driving discomfort and vibrations could be signs that your tires are worn or damaged. If you start feeling vibrations, ask us to inspect your tires promptly. Our technicians will check the sidewalls and measure the tread depth. If you need a replacement, we will help you find the right tires for your Kia model and perform a professional installation to ensure your safety.

Tire Age 

Tires have a lifespan of around six years, but due to environmental factors, the rubber can start to deteriorate sooner. Deterioration of the rubber doesn’t imply you will only notice it on the outside of the tire. There may be hidden internal damage that could impact your safety while driving. We recommend replacing your tires around the five to six-year mark for your safety.

You can check the manufacturing date of your tires to determine if it’s time for a new set. The manufacturing date is on the sidewall, starting with the letters “DOT,” followed by a series of numbers. The last four numbers indicate the week and year of manufacture.

If your tires are worn, damaged, or old, it’s critical to replace them as soon as possible. If you need a new set of tires, stop at Kia of Marin in Novato, CA today. 

Tags: auto service, car service, kia dealer, kia dealership, Kia tires, Novato CA, tire service, tires
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