The penny test is a great one to remember.

Ensuring your tires are road-worthy is an obvious safety concerns, but your tire health can also have an effect on fuel mileage and how your car drives overall. Following are some pointers about tire wear and how to know when it is time to kiss your rubber biscuits goodbye and invest in a new set.

Replace your tires if any of the following occur:

1. They fail the penny test. A good test for tire wear is sticking a penny into the tread. If you can see President Lincoln’s entire head, then it is time to get a new set.

2. Metal is exposed. If you can actually see the metal wires in your car’s tires, it is time to change them immediately.

3. Your car pulls to one side or the other. While this is likely an alignment issue, the tires have been wearing unevenly while this has been going on. Have your tires checked as well as getting your car aligned properly.

4. The tires are 10+ years old. If tires have actually been on a vehicle this long, it is difficult to trust them anymore, as they can damage much more easily.

5. The season of your tires doesn’t match the outside. If it’s winter and you have summer tires on, you are going to want to make a change. If you don’t, you could find yourself out of control when the first storm hits. All-season tires are a good bet, as they are rated for all four seasons, as long as they aren’t worn out.

To keep yourself safe and improve longevity, make sure to check the tire’s air pressure. Underinflated tires are the leading cause of wear on tires. If you keep them at proper inflation, not only will they last longer, but your car will drive its best as well. Remembering that having your tires rotated will also increase their life, as front tires wear more quickly than rear. Keep these tips in mind – and remember – we carry tires at Howdy Honda, so you can purchase and install them in just one stop.