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A flat tire is one of the most frustrating things that can happen when you're on the road. It's inconvenient, and it can leave you stranded in a dangerous spot. Sometimes these incidents can't be prevented, but if you maintain your tires and replace them when they're worn, you can minimize the likelihood of a flat. How can you tell when it's time for new tires from your Ford dealer? There are several signs to watch for. Signs You Need New Tires From Your Ford Dealer You Notice a Change in the Way Your Vehicle Handles If your vehicle seems to have less traction on wet roads, making it more difficult to maneuver, the treads on your tires may be wearing thin. As the treads wear, the grooves on your tires become shallow, and it becomes difficult for your vehicle to grip the road and push through puddles of water. Vibrations when your car is in motion, especially vibrations that seem to be coming from under the seats, are another sign that you may be due for a new set of tires. As a general rule of thumb, if you start to notice new vibrations of any type that consistently appear when your car is being driven, it's time to have a mechanic inspect your tires. more You're Hearing New Noises Certain noises while you're driving may also signal tire issues. If your tires are older or wearing unevenly, the contact your wheels are making with the road won't be uniform, and that can create noise. Tires that are out of alignment also make noise. You See Visible Signs of Age and Wear on Your Tires It's a good idea to walk around your vehicle every once in a while and visually inspect your tires. As the tires age, the rubber sometimes dries out and cracks. Bulges or blisters that appear on the walls of your tires are a sign that there's a weak spot in your tire. These bulges can cause a tire to burst unexpectedly. And if one of your tires appears slightly deflated, you may want to make sure there's not a slow air leak. Your Tires Fail the Penny Test A quick do-it-yourself way to test your tire treads is to take a penny and place it in the groove of your tire with Lincoln's head pointed down. If you can see the top of Lincoln's head with no obstruction by the treads, your tires failed the test. Failing the penny test means your tire treads are worn to the point that you need a replacement set. Having a good set of tires on your car is essential. If you're unsure about the health of your tires, or if you're ready to purchase a new set, head to Mike Fitzpatrick Ford.

Warm weather brings out the best community events and gatherings. If you plan to join the fun, don't miss this list of our four favorite summer activities in Newnan, GA. 1. Main Street Newnan Market Day You can shop locally in Newnan on Saturday, June 3, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Main Street Newnan Market Day features more than 50 vendors selling many unique items grown or made in this part of Georgia. You'll find wreaths, clothing, birdhouses, leather goods, furniture, baked goods, hand-woven baskets, fine art, pottery, jarred items like salsa and honey, and fruits and veggies from local farms. Market Day takes place from March through December on the first Saturday of the month. In addition to vendors, you can enjoy live acoustic music and even bring your own instrument to join the fun jam session with neighbors. This community event is free and open to the public. It takes place at Courthouse Square in downtown Newnan. more 2. Summer NewnaNIGHTS Get together with others in the Newnan community at this monthly event, which features vendors, food trucks, and family-friendly entertainment and music. You can also shop for special deals at local businesses, many of which will stay open late specifically for the occasion. Summer NewnaNIGHTS takes place at Greenville Street Park. It's held the second Thursday from 6 to 9 p.m. (June 8, July 13, and August 10). 3. Chattahoochee Bend State Park You can camp, hike, fish, kayak, and much more at this location, which is hands-down one of our favorite Georgia state parks. Chattahoochee Bend spans nearly 3,000 acres, with 6 miles of trails and 5 miles of riverfront. We recommend hiking to the observation platform for the absolute best forest and river views. If you want to stay for a few days, you can rent a variety of shelters including RV spots, tent sites, and screened shelters. The park also has covered picnic pavilions, geocaches to find, a boat ramp, a playground, and a gift shop. Chattahoochee Bend State Park is open from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. every day. Admission is free, but parking costs $5. It's located at 425 Bobwhite Way right here in Newnan. 4. July 4 Parade Celebrate Independence Day with the Newnan community at this parade from Veteran's Memorial Park to Greenville Street Park. You can even walk along with a club or organization or register to pull a float if you have a vehicle that can tow. It all starts at 9 a.m. on July 4, with the beginning of the route at 30 Temple Avenue ​and the end at 51 Greenville Street South in Newnan. You'll turn heads at every Newnan event in a new Ford Mustang. Visit the team at Mike Fitzpatrick Ford today for your test drive. Image by Larisa Koshkina from Pixabay