When It Is Time For New Tires - Cadillac SRX 2010 Owner's Manual

srx.book Page 58 Monday, June 8, 2009 8:28 AM
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When It Is Time for New
Tires
Various factors, such as
maintenance, temperatures, driving
speeds, vehicle loading, and road
conditions influence when you need
new tires.
One way to tell when it is time for
new tires is to check the treadwear
indicators, which appear when the
tires have only 1.6 mm (1/16 inch) or
less of tread remaining.
The vehicle needs new tires if any of
the following statements are true:
• You can see the indicators at
three or more places around the
tire.
• You can see cord or fabric
showing through the tire's rubber.
• The tread or sidewall is cracked,
cut, or snagged deep enough to
show cord or fabric.
• The tire has a bump, bulge, or
split.
• The tire has a puncture, cut, or
other damage that cannot be
repaired well because of the size
or location of the damage.
The rubber in tires degrades over
time. This is also true for the spare
tire, if the vehicle has one, even if it is
not being used. Multiple conditions
affect how fast this aging takes
place, including temperatures,
loading conditions, and inflation
pressure maintenance. With proper
care and maintenance tires typically
wear out before they degrade due to
age. If you are unsure about the
need to replace the tires as they get
older, consult the tire manufacturer
for more information.