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Car tires tend to last three to five years, although some will last longer when properly maintained. Sometimes, tires wear out prematurely because of uneven wear or one of the other problems laid out below. If you think any of your tires are no longer safe to use, visit your Frederick, MD, Kia dealership right away for a set of new tires. Tires Worn Thin? Visit Your MD Kia Dealership Today Diminished Tread Depths One of the most common reasons for replacing tires is that the treads have worn out. If patches of a tire are balding, that tire can no longer reliably hold a grip on the road, especially during wet weather. Car tires need deep treads to help displace water, help maintain traction, and help avoid hydroplaning, the sudden loss of traction on wet road surfaces. more The minimum legal tread depth in most states, including Maryland, is 2/32 of an inch. You can use a tread depth gauge to check the depth of your tire treads. Alternatively, you can carry out the penny test. For the penny test, you insert a penny into the tread voids with Lincoln's head toward the tire; if the top of Lincoln's head is completely visible, those treads are shallower than 2/32 of an inch, and the tire has to go. Excessive Unevenness When tires grow excessively uneven, the full set of four might need to be replaced. This is because uneven tires increase the danger of skids or blowouts while also reducing vehicle handling and putting undue strain on the suspension. Damaged Tire Rubber Serious punctures, cuts, bulges, blistering, or embedded objects can all spell the end of the road for a tire. Occasionally, very minor damage can be repaired, but even then, the tire is often weaker than before. It's usually best to replace a damaged tire with a new one. Cracks From Dry Rot It's quite normal for cracks to begin to appear in the sidewalls of a tire as it ages. Tire rubber gradually becomes dried out by UV rays, extreme heat or cold, and other environmental factors. A few hairline cracks are nothing to worry about, but a sudden spreading of deeper cracks might indicate the presence of dry rot. This is where tire rubber loses too much moisture, becomes brittle, and develops too many cracks to remain structurally sound. Persistent Low Pressure If any of your tires keep losing air pressure, no matter how little, consider replacing it. Under-inflated tires are risky to drive on because too much of the tire rubber comes in contact with the road, which can lead to overheating and blowouts. Visit DARCARS Kia of Frederick today to have your car tires rotated or replaced. We're a local full-service dealership offering a broad range of new and used vehicles, competitive deals, and high-quality customer service, whatever your automotive needs may be.

If you drive a car, it's almost guaranteed that you will experience a flat tire at least once in your lifetime or that wear and tear will make it so you will need to replace your Kia tires. However, changing a tire can be daunting unless you have done it before. Thankfully, with the right tools, you can change the tire quickly and easily. If all else fails, the professionals at your Kia dealer can get it done for you. How To Change a Tire Tips The next time you and the family are out in your Kia car or SUV and the tire goes flat, your first step is to find a stable, safe location where you can change the flat. Avoid soft ground, put on your hazard lights, and then make sure your wheels have blocks or rocks behind them if you are on a hill. Next, place your car in park and engage the parking brake for safety. more Get Out the Tools Once you have the car in a safe area, you need to locate all of your tools and the spare tire. You will need a jack, a wrench, and a spare tire. Your owner's manual will tell you where to place the jack. Modern cars often have a notch or mark letting you know where the jack should go. Place the jack on one of the heavy beams of the frame on an older vehicle. Take It Apart After you raise the car so that it rests on the jack but is not off the ground, you should remove the hubcap. Once the hubcap is out of the way, turn the lug nuts counterclockwise. Break the resistance on the lug nuts, then lift the vehicle off the ground so the tire is clear. Now that the lug nuts are slightly loose and the tire is off the ground, you can quickly remove all of the lug nuts and the flat tire. Secure the Spare With the flat tire out of the way, lift the spare tire and slip it onto the bolts. Ensure the valve stem is facing outward, away from the vehicle, so you don't put the spare on backward. Next, put the lug nuts back on, taking care not to cross-thread them, and put them on in an alternating pattern. Tighten the lug nuts by hand, lower the car till the wheel touches the ground, and tighten them. Last, replace the hubcap and put the spare in the trunk with your tools. Visit Your Kia Dealer in Maryland The last step to changing your flat is to get the vehicle into a tire shop. Your local dealership will have professionals equipped to repair or replace the tire you bring in, balance your wheels, and get you back out on the road. If your vehicle needs maintenance or a tire rotation, don't delay. Contact us at DARCARS Kia of Frederick to schedule an appointment with the professionals in our service center today. We can inspect the tires and get you new tires to get you back on the road before you know it.

To keep your car in top condition, you need to have your Kia tires replaced at regular intervals. While this might seem like a minor issue, it can lead to serious safety and performance problems with your car if you don't take care of it. Here are several points to consider when evaluating whether it's time to visit your Kia dealer and replace your tires. Signs It’s Time to Replace Your Kia Tires at Your Frederick, MD Kia Dealer 1. Signs You Need New Tires Immediately New tires can significantly improve a car's performance and give you a more comfortable ride. If your tire warning light comes on or if you measure your tire pressure and the pressure is low, it could be that you need new tires. Uneven tire wear is another sign that you need to replace your tires right away. more 2. When to Replace Your Car Tires Worn treads or bald tires are a safety hazard for everyone. Tire traction helps you control the speed and direction of your car, especially in bad weather. The Department of Transportation recommends a minimum tread depth of 2/32-inch. Since most experts recommend replacement at a higher tread than the minimum, you should inspect your tires for wear and tear at least once a month. If your steering wheel vibrates, you could have wear and tear or damage to your tire. It is critical to bring your car for a dealer inspection right away. Vibrations can be caused by under or over-inflated tires and worn treads. 3. The Penny Test The Penny Test is a quick way to see if you need to get new tires. Simply place a penny at the tread of your tire, and if you can see the top of Lincoln's head, then it is time for new tires! 4. Tire Tread Depth Gauge Another way to check your tire tread is to use a tire tread depth gauge. Tire tread depth gauges measure the depth of your tire tread to determine if you need new tires. They are inexpensive and easy to use. 5. Replace Your Tires for Safer Driving Replacing your worn and balding tires can also give you better handling and control. When your tire treads are worn, driving in rain and snow may be difficult. On wet roads, cars with worn treads can completely lose traction and skid, resulting in hydroplaning. New tires will improve traction and minimize vibration resulting in a safer and more comfortable ride overall. 6. Saving Money Replacing your tires can save you money on gas. Keeping your tires at the correct inflation can improve fuel efficiency. Get Tire Service and Replacements at Our Frederick Kia Dealership It is important to monitor the condition of your tires and replace them at the right time. Check your dealer recommendations for your vehicle and stay safe all year round. Contact DARCARS Kia of Frederick for more information and to schedule a service appointment. Find out more about your Kia tires at our dealership, like the importance of tire rotations for your Kia.