At Ted’s Tire Discounter, we often see car owners struggling with whether to repair or replace their damaged tires. Knowing when you should repair and when to replace your tires can help you stay safe on the road and save you money.

The next time you notice some damage to your tires, consider these guidelines to help you decide what to do:

1. Where is the damage located?

First, you’ll want to consider where the damage is located on your tire. Often, the first sign of damage is a slow leak as your tire loses air pressure, so check the treads, sidewall and tire bead for signs of damage. It’s best to take the tire off the wheel to check the entire surface, so you can properly determine whether the damage has come from the wheel or if your tire has been punctured from the inside.

2. Is the damage repairable?

Generally, if your tire has a puncture less than one quarter of an inch in length, it may be fixed with a plug and patch repair job. However, it also depends on your tire’s tread depth. If your tread depth is less than one sixteenth of an inch, it’s probably time to replace your tires.

3. When is damage not repairable?

Aside from the tread depth, there are a few ways you can determine whether your tire’s damage is beyond repair. A split or crack in your tire’s sidewall cannot be safely repaired, so if you notice this kind of damage, replace your tire immediately with a spare tire and get a permanent replacement as soon as possible. If you notice a crack or split in the beads, this, too, cannot be repaired as the beads are essential for maintaining tire pressure. You’ll also want to check your wheel for signs of damage; any wheels that are badly rusted or corroded should be replaced as soon as possible.

4. When should I replace my tires?

Many car owners believe that, once the warranty on their tires has expired, they’ll need to be replaced. However, this is often not the case. Instead of just replacing your tires at the end of the warranty, make sure you are staying vigilant by checking your tires regularly once the warranty has expired. Do a monthly check for stones, glass, nails or other debris that may have become lodged in your tires or tread.

While it’s a good idea to replace all four tires at once, if your tires are relatively new and one becomes damaged, you can opt to replace the damaged one alone. In this instance, be sure to make note of the size of the tire, which is marked on the tire’s sidewall.

Additionally, you should continue to keep an eye on your tire’s tread, even if they are still able to maintain tire pressure. Many tires have tread indicators on them and, once those begin to appear, it’s a good idea to replace your set of tires. The tread indicators will let you know when it’s no longer safe to drive on the tires.

At Ted’s Tire Discounter, we offer tire repairs to get you back on the road safely! Or, if it’s time to replace your tires, browse our tire selection online to find the perfect tires for your vehicle.