Your car needs quality tires if you want to get anywhere, but it’s not always easy to know when it’s time to replace them, so take a look at these signs that you need to visit your Buick dealer for new tires.
Worn-Out Tread
Your tire tread is what provides your car with traction, especially while driving in wet or slick conditions. An easy way to check if your tread is too low is by using a penny. Place the penny into your tire’s tread upside down: if you can see the top of Lincoln’s head, your tires are too worn.
Visible Damage to the Sidewall
Take a good look at your tires and inspect the sidewalls. Can you see any cracks, cuts, or grooves? If so, your tires might be developing leaks or preparing to fail. Damage to the sidewall cannot be safely repaired, so you’ll have to replace your tires.
Blisters on the Tire’s Surface
Blisters, bumps, or bulges that stick out of your tire’s surface deserve a specific mention here. This type of damage means there is a weak spot in your tire and you are at risk of a sudden blowout.
Low, Leaky Tires
Adding air to your tires after the temperature suddenly plunges is completely normal: topping up your tires every week or two all summer is not. If the pressure in your tires is consistently low, you probably have a slow leak. A professional inspection will tell you whether the leak can be repaired or your tire needs to be replaced.
Tread Wear Indicator Bars
Tread wear indicators are smooth rubber bars that are integrated into your tire tread. When tires are new, you won’t notice the indicator bars much. As your tire wears down, however, the bar rises to the top. Once your tread wear indicator bars have reached the surface of your tire, it’s a clear sign the tire needs to be replaced.
Tires That Are Too Old
Age affects your tires, even if you don’t drive on them very much. The rubber they are made of breaks down and becomes more brittle over time, and once your tires are six years old it’s no longer recommended to drive on them. It’s time to spring for a new set!
Shop for New Tires at Your Buick Dealer
Your local dealership offers a selection of high-quality tires from top brands. After you choose your tires, our technicians can mount and balance them for you, as well as check for other potential issues, like alignment problems, that might affect the performance of your vehicle.
If you notice any signs of tire trouble, don’t hesitate to reach out to the professionals at your local dealership for help. Visit Schepel Buick GMC to let our technicians take a look at your tires.


