Vehicle Tire 101: What Every Owner Should Know

Your car tires are the sole part of your vehicle that is actually in contact with the road, which means that they are exposed to a massive amount of friction and wear and tear which can degrade them rapidly over time. Understanding some of the most common signs of wear on your vehicle tires can help you figure out when you should talk to a mechanic about replacing your current set of tires to reduce the risk of a flat developing.

1. Vibrations While Driving

One of the first and hardest to miss signs that your tires are nearing the end of their lifespan is if you notice that your steering wheel or gas and brake pedals are shaking while driving, especially when traveling at low speeds and over smoothly paved roads. This can point to tread wear and tire damage that prevents your tires from making even contact with the road, which will, in turn, translate into shaking and vibrations throughout your vehicle – placing more stress on your suspension and making it harder for you to control your car.

2. Uneven and Low Treads

Another sign that your tires should be replaced that is a little harder to spot, but can be quickly determined from a visual inspection, is if the treads of your tires are unevenly worn, or worn down by a significant amount. You can use a coin or a ruler to measure the depth of your tread to determine if one side is severely worn compared to the other. To determine the extent of the tread wear that your tires have experienced, look for wear bears in the tread – these are bars that run perpendicular to the tread of the tire. When the wear bars are even with the rest of the tire's tread, it's time to replace your tires.

3. Sidewall Damage

Finally, the last major warning sign that your tires are overdue for a replacement is if you notice that there is any sort of damage or visible wear to the sidewalls of your tires. This type of damage, which can include spiderweb cracks, bulges, fraying rubber, and other visual signs of damage are not a normal part of your tire's wear, and represent a serious risk to your safety as they undermine the structural strength of the tire and increase the chances that your tire will suddenly blow out while driving. Replacing the tire entirely can eliminate this risk.

For more information, contact your local tire services.