Did you know that car tires driven under normal service conditions wear out after 3-4 years?
Since tires wear out over time, regular maintenance checks are essential to avoid serious mishaps. As such, every driver should know the common warning signs that indicate the car tires are no longer up to par.
When the sidewalls of the tires start developing bulges and blisters on their outer surface, that’s an indication your tires may be damaged. Tires with a tear or an irregular bump can make your car unsafe to drive. Air pockets caused by bulges point to weakened parts of the wheel. Once they blow out, you’ll have flat tires as a result.
Generally, tire tread depth should not fall under 1.6 millimeters. If you regularly drive on wet surfaces, the tread may wear down faster.
Fortunately, newer tire models have a tread wear indicator bar that shows how much damage the tire has accumulated. These indicators appear as flat rubber bars running across the direction of the tread. If one or two of these markings start to appear, it’s a clear indicator that your tire is running low on tread and should be replaced.
Air leaks may cause gradual deflation of your tires. Pounds per Square Inch (PSI) is the unit of measurement used to determine the air pressure inside your tires.
You may refer to your vehicle’s recommended PSI to determine if it’s a simple problem or a significant puncture. The ideal PSI for car tires ranges from 32 to 35 PSI, while heavier vehicles like trucks and buses will generally require a higher tire pressure of around 116 to 131 PSI.
If your PSI drops by one in a week, your tire may have a small repairable puncture or a bent rim that lifts the space between your wheel and tire. However, sudden drops in PSI should be a cause for concern, as they may indicate a large hole.
Carefully inspect the tires and look for debris, holes, or foreign objects around the tire’s surface. Then consult with a car professional if you find out it’s not just a simple patch job.
Your car’s tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) warns you if one or more of your tires are severely under-inflated, which is deemed unsafe to drive. If your TPMS starts giving alerts but you’re suspicious it might be just defective, you can visit your nearest auto service center to find out the real problem.
While there, have them check your TPMS and your tires, as well. If the TPMS warning lights continue to flicker, the mechanic may suggest a more extensive inspection of your car systems.
Car shaking or vibrating is normal, especially when you drive on bumpy roads. However, if you notice that the vibration persists, your tires may have a problem. Unbalanced or misaligned tires could cause these shaking issues. Additionally, your car’s shock absorbers may be broken, causing your tires to vibrate.
If your car constantly demonstrates these problems, it’s best to consult a professional mechanic and replace the defective tires.
Most car owners jump to dire conclusions when their vehicles malfunction. However, sometimes the age of the tires has a lot to do with the problem.
Your tires should be checked at least once a year to ensure they are safe and in excellent condition. Again, regular checkups should be customary once your tires are more than three years old.
Tires are constantly exposed to harsh weather conditions – from the extreme heat of the summer season to wet surfaces on rainy days – which can cause degradation. Rubber is a natural material and will start to break down over time, especially when it is subjected to weathering.
Tires play an integral part in keeping you safe behind the wheel. It controls your steering, acceleration, and braking, as well as absorbs all bumps the road may throw at you. With the safety and security that tires bring, choosing quality tires for replacement is essential. Prioritize tire durability to ensure you can use them for a long time.
Originally published on Triangle Tires’ blog.
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