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Living in Yuma has many advantages. But when it comes to the summer months, nobody wants to be stuck on the side of the road changing a flat tire. Sometimes these instances are unforeseen and even unavoidable, but here at FTS Automotive Center, we have some tips that may save you from getting stuck on the side of the road!

Tires are quite use and need specific. Using the right tire and size for the right use is paramount to long-term durability and safety. So when replacing, ensure you take your time to get the right brand and type of tire to get the maximum value. Listed below are 4 simple checks that you can do to see if your tires are due for a change.

1. Check for deterioration – Years ago, it was easier to see deterioration but tires have evolved and are now better than ever. Rubber compounds don’t crack like they used to. So how does one know if your tires are safe? Not an easy question as there are many variables. Type of tire, how fast and long a vehicle is driven, if tire pressure is maintained are just a few, but definitely check your tire rating. Tires that are S or T rated work just fine when used around town but in the Yuma heat, those same tires used for extended highway driving will degrade quickly due to higher operating temperatures. This heat can cause structural damage you may not see.

It's easy to tell that you need new tires if they look worn or unevenly worn. But how do you know about the damage a layman can’t see? The easiest way is to have a professional inspect your vehicle tires. Not someone who was selling shoes yesterday and is now selling tires. A true professional like the mechanics at FTS Automotive Center!

2. Check your tread wear - Your treads are most important in keeping the rubber on the road. Often times one does not know if the treads are still good. This simple penny trick will demonstrate how worn your treads are. Simply place the penny head first into the grooves of your tires and if you see the top of Abe’s head, your tires need replacing. You can trust Abe, he is always honest!

3. Consider your tire age – Tires are usually rated for mileage but there is no uniform age that leads to the expiration of your tire. This is a difficult question to answer as there are so many types of tires used in so many different ways. Yuma is a unique environment. One of the hottest places in theUnited States but we compound those effects because our location requires long distance, high speed driving to get anywhere out of town. Those factors shorten the lifespan of any tire. Let's just say it’s a physics/ chemistry thing.

Most major tire manufacturers are cautious in saying how long tires will last. Some say 10 years some “recommend” 6. Who is right? For the purpose of this article, we're going to give you with some rules of thumb:

However, there are so many variables you really need to have a true professional evaluate your tires. They can only guess and advise based on experience, there is no chart or book to look to tell you. That said there is one piece of advise that can help you. If you have one tire fail and the age of your tires fall outside the above listed parameters you run a very high probability of more tire failures in a short period of time.

4. Inspect your sidewalls – Damage to the sidewalls of your tires are easy to detect. If you see cracks and/or cuts on the side of your tires, it could lead to leaks or, even worse, a blowout while driving. Have a professional inspect any damage you are unsure of. When it comes to tires, better safe than sorry.

If you have any tire needs, you can visit our user-friendly website at www.ftsautocenter.com or call us at (928) 343-9430. Your safety on the road is of the utmost concern to us. Do not hesitate to stop by and have our friendly technicians check out your tires.