What To Look For When Inspecting Your Car Tires

What To Look For When Inspecting Your Car Tires

As a driver, you’re responsible for the condition of the vehicle you are operating – whether it is your own, a friend’s or family member’s car, or even a rental. Tires are an essential part of any vehicle – not only for your own safety but for other people on the road as well. When a concern arises, be ready to visit an auto mechanic!

Tread Depth

One of the most important things to check when inspecting your car tires is tread depth. It’s a key factor in how well your tires grip the road and how safely you drive on it. If your tires aren’t deep enough, they can’t push water out from under them and bite into snow-packed roads as effectively as deeper grooves do. That can lead to longer braking distances, less control and an increased risk of hydroplaning on wet roads. In most countries, the legal minimum for tire tread depth is 2/32 of an inch. That’s a good rule of thumb for arid regions, but it’s best to replace tires when they fall below that level in rain or snowy weather.

Cords

When you look under the rubber layers of your tires, you will likely see a series of metal cords. These are critical parts of the tire structure that help maintain stability and provide support to the vehicle’s weight. This is especially important during winter when the road condition is extremely unpredictable. Driving on snowy roads requires longer breaking distances than on dry roads, because the amount of snow and slipperiness vary significantly from one place to another. As a result, it is imperative that you inspect your car tires for any signs of damage that could pose a threat to other drivers on the road. Taking note of these signs can save you a lot of money on future tire replacement costs and ensure that your car is safe to drive. Don’t forget regular brake service, as well!

Cracks

Your tires are a vital part of your car. They carry all the weight and roll hundreds of times a day to get you where you need to go. During this time, they are exposed to harsh conditions and elements like sunlight, chemicals, cold, and corrosive brake dust to name a few. That’s why, as your tires age, they begin to develop small cracks on the surface. Thankfully, these surface cracks are harmless and don’t make your tires unsafe. But, if the cracks are larger, it’s a good idea to have them checked out by a mechanic.

Bulges

A tire bulge is a dangerous condition that can cause the vehicle to lose control and blow out at any time. It is best to take your car in for a professional inspection and possible no-charge replacement under your manufacturer’s warranty policy. Bulges are caused by impact damage, often from hitting curbs or potholes. When that happens, the belts and plies that hold the sidewall together are weakened and eventually fail. In most cases, a tire bulge can be prevented by regularly checking your tires for proper air pressure. This ensures that the belts and plies don’t become damaged enough to create an unsafe tire.

Uneven Wear

Uneven wear of your car tires is a safety issue. It can lead to handling issues, vibration and noise that could put you or other people on the road in danger. Uneven tire wear can be caused by a number of things, including improper inflation and bad alignment. Understanding the causes of uneven tire wear will allow you to spot this issue before it gets out of hand. A quick visual inspection of the tread will tell you if your tires are in good shape. If you see any balding, banding or bubbling of the tread, this is a warning sign that your tires are about to wear unevenly and need replacement. Contact us for maintenance today!

Categorised in: Tires in Chino CA

This post was written by admin