Oct 6, 2023
A Lincoln Technician changing a tire on a luxury vehicle

Image via Bob Maxey Lincoln.

Your Lincoln is the embodiment of luxury, performance, and safety. And while every component plays a significant role in ensuring a smooth drive, there’s just one part that directly touches the road: your tires. Determining when it’s time to get new tires for your vehicle is a decision every car owner eventually has to make. Here’s a few tips from your Lincoln dealer to help you decide if it’s time.

Tread Depth

Over time, as the tire wears out, the tread depth decreases. You can use a penny to check this. Insert a penny into the tread with Lincoln’s head facing down. If you can see the top of Lincoln’s head, the tread is too shallow, indicating that it’s time to replace your tires.

Visible Damage

Check your tires for any visible signs of damage. This can include cracks, cuts, punctures, or bulges on the tire’s surface. Even if they appear minor, these types of damage can be hazardous as they compromise the structural integrity of the tire, putting you at risk of a blowout.

Uneven Wear

Tires don’t always wear out evenly. Uneven wear patterns, such as feathering or scalloping, can indicate issues like misalignment, tire imbalance, or suspension problems. If you notice uneven wear, it’s crucial to address it immediately, as it can cause premature tire degradation.

Vibration While Driving

If you’ve started to feel excessive vibration when driving, especially on smooth roads, it might indicate tire problems. These vibrations can arise from an unbalanced tire, misalignment, or internal damage to the tire.

Age of the Tires

Even if your tires look to be in good shape, age can still be a factor in their performance. Rubber degrades over time, and old tires might not offer the same grip, especially in challenging weather conditions. Generally, it’s recommended to consider replacing tires that are 6 to 10 years old, regardless of wear.

Loss of Tire Pressure

While it’s natural for tires to lose some pressure over time, a consistent drop can be a red flag. If you find yourself needing to refill the air more often than usual, there might be a slow leak, which necessitates a closer examination.

Handling Issues

When tires wear out, they might not grip the road as effectively, leading to issues in handling. If you notice your Lincoln struggling around corners, slipping in wet conditions, or taking longer to brake, it might be pointing towards tire wear.

Recognizing the signs and taking timely action can not only ensure your Lincoln operates at its peak performance but also safeguards you, your loved ones, and other road users. If you identify any of the signs we’ve mentioned, or if you’re uncertain about the condition of your tires, contact us at Bob Maxey Lincoln right away.