How to Know When It's Time for New Tires

Your car’s tires are the critical link between your vehicle and the road, making their condition vital for your safety, performance, and overall comfort. Recognizing when to replace your tires ensures your car handles and brakes effectively, no matter the road or weather conditions. Here are clear indicators that it’s time for new tires and how worn tires impact your driving experience.

1. Low Tread Depth

Tire tread provides essential traction and handling by maintaining contact with the road. As tread wears down, your tires lose grip, increasing the risk of accidents. To quickly check your tread depth, use the penny test: insert a penny into your tire tread with Lincoln’s head facing down. If the top of Lincoln’s head is visible, your tread depth is below the safe limit (less than 2/32 inches). At Team Ryan Automotive, we recommend replacing tires once tread reaches 4/32 inches for optimal safety.

2. Sidewall Cracks or Damage

Inspect your tire sidewalls regularly for visible cracks, cuts, or bulges. Sidewalls maintain tire shape and protect the internal structure. Exposure to sunlight, heat, and cold can deteriorate rubber over time, causing cracks that increase the risk of blowouts. If sidewall damage is present, professional inspection and tire replacement are necessary to maintain safe driving conditions.

3. Persistent Vibrations While Driving

Feeling unusual vibrations or shaking, especially at higher speeds, often indicates tire issues. Unevenly worn or improperly balanced tires cause vibrations, making your drive uncomfortable and causing additional stress on suspension and steering components. If vibrations persist, have your tires professionally inspected and balanced at Team Ryan Automotive.

4. Tire Age

Tires age regardless of mileage or visible wear. Rubber compounds naturally degrade, becoming brittle and prone to failure over time. Most tire manufacturers advise replacing tires every six years, even if tread depth appears sufficient. Locate your tire’s age on the sidewall DOT code, which shows the week and year of manufacture. Tires near or beyond the six-year mark should be replaced promptly.

Risks of Driving on Worn Tires

Driving with worn tires significantly compromises your vehicle’s safety, handling, and efficiency:

Reduced traction, particularly on wet or slippery roads, increasing accident risk
Increased stopping distances, raising collision danger
Uneven wear leading to costly suspension and steering repairs
Lower fuel efficiency due to increased engine strain

Tire Inspections at Team Ryan Automotive

At Team Ryan Automotive, we’re committed to your safety. Our experienced technicians will:

Inspect your tires thoroughly for wear, damage, and aging
Measure tread depth and identify uneven wear patterns
Balance and rotate your tires for optimal performance
Recommend ideal replacement tires tailored to your vehicle and driving style

Don’t compromise your safety by waiting. Schedule your tire inspection at Team Ryan Automotive today and drive confidently with tires you can trust.

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Team Ryan Automotive’s Shara Ryan Named Moxie Award Finalist

By Shara Ryan • July 29, 2025

Shara Ryan, the co-owner of Team Ryan Automotive, has been named a Finalist for the Gwinnett Chamber Moxie Awards in the Influence Category. The Gwinnett Chamber of Commerce supports local businesses and champions growth and opportunity throughout Gwinnett County. Each year, the Moxie Awards honor women leaders in metro Atlanta who inspire others, lead with integrity, and create positive change in their communities. Finalists are chosen from a wide pool of nominees across categories that highlight influence, innovation, and community impact. This recognition goes to a true trailblazer, honoring Shara as a woman leader who is making a positive impact and inspiring others through her commitment to excellence and service. We are honored that Shara’s commitment to leading with honesty, care, and community spirit has been recognized in this way. At Team Ryan Automotive, we understand that auto repair is an investment, and we take that seriously. We are committed to being here for our customers, neighbors, and the Buford and Cumming communities, and providing the highest quality repairs and service.

A Monument to Excellence: Phillip Beard Stadium Opens in Buford

By Shara Ryan • July 28, 2025

As Buford Highschool Football Sponsors, Team Ryan Automotive had the honor of attending the ribbon-cutting ceremony for the brand-new Phillip Beard Stadium. It was a milestone moment not only for Buford City Schools but for the entire Buford community. The heat was no joke, with temperatures nearing 100 degrees. As Phillip Beard himself remarked: “It’s hot out here!” But the sun didn’t stop the celebration or the community pride from showing up in full force. Joined by Georgia's Lieutenant Governor Burt Jones, school board members, and other dignitaries, this event was as much about celebrating legacy as it was about looking ahead. “This is a place where we can bring our community together and celebrate our students,” said Dr. Amy Chafin, Buford’s new superintendent, during her remarks. “It’s about our athletes, our band, our cheerleaders - it’s about everyone.” ( AJC ) At Team Ryan Automotive, we remain committed to supporting our community, investing in it now and for the future. We were honored to be part of an event that truly brought Buford together. Serving all communities for Buford and Cumming, GA.

Standing with the Wolves: Team Ryan Automotive Sponsoring Buford Football’s Stadium Journey

By Shara Ryan • July 25, 2025

Team Ryan Automotive is a proud sponsor of Buford Football, and we’re honored to support the new Phillip Beard Stadium. The ribbon-cutting ceremony is set for Sunday, July 27 at 2 PM, marking the kickoff of a new era for the Wolves 🐺 As a family-owned business rooted in the community, we love cheering on our local high school, and this new stadium is truly something special. We’re proud to stand alongside our neighbors, the coaching staff, and these student-athletes who make our town proud. Join us in supporting Buford!