Tires that are old or worn are dangerous. You'll need to know the age of your tires and check the tread wear to be sure that they are safe. Though old tires can have plenty of tread left, the rubber that makes up the tire can grow brittle and become cracked.
Check the Age: Get to a brightly lit area where you can see your tires clearly. Around the wall of the tire on the outside, you'll see a number that starts with DOT, for the Department of Transportation. At the end of this string of numbers, you'll see a 4-digit code. If the code is 0420, your tires were made in the 4th week of 2020. For best security, change your tires as soon as they are six years old or older.
Check the Tread: On a bright day in West Point, NE, take a penny and hold it upside down in the tread of your tire. If you can see all of Abe Lincoln's head, your tread is worn, and your tires are putting you at risk. A deep tread will clear away water and loose sand, keeping you in control of your vehicle. Especially worn tread can be dangerous.
Your tires are what keep you in full control of your vehicle. If over-inflated, you'll bounce. If under-inflated, they'll wear out and can blow out. Plan ahead to replace them in our service center at West Point Chevrolet, Inc. when needed, and stay safe on the road.