Tire Damage
Have you recently taken a knock? If you have driven into a solid object, which may be a pothole, curb or even a speed bump you never saw coming then you will need to check your tires thoroughly. The same goes for striking a sharp object. Look for cuts, deformations, and any visible perforations. If you spot anything out of the ordinary it is vital that you visit a professional for further inspection, there’s a good chance that your tires will need to be replaced if there is visible damage.
This is particularly important in the case of tires running at low pressure or flat – you cannot see what internal damage has occurred, so it’s difficult for you to make the call as to whether your tire needs to be replaced.
Abnormal Wear
Have you spotted abnormal wear on your tires? Whether it’s at the center, edges or in patches – it may indicate that your wheel alignment is off. Of course, there could also be an issue with the transmission, wheel balance, and even your suspension. You may also be filling your tires to the wrong pressure – regardless, abnormal wear means you need new tires. While you’re dealing with the new tires, you should have the mechanic check your car out to determine what is causing the problem. Otherwise, it’s just going to happen again.
The Wrong Tires
For optimum performance you should have the same tire in each position, that means the same type, size, construction, and at the same stage of wear. Failure to do this can not only affect the rest of the tires, but it can also impact the stability and handling of your vehicle. Additionally, most manufacturers include guidelines on what tires should be used for their vehicle – you should check with your owner’s manual to ensure you are using the correct tires.
Additionally, you should avoid using both non-radial and radial tires, if it’s unavoidable at least keep them to the same axle – with the non-radial located on the front axle and radial to the rear.
A Flat Tire
If you have a flat tire you should immediately head to a professional – while some flats can be repaired, for the most part, it is safer to simply replace. If your tire goes flat while you’re driving you should pull over at the first (and safest) opportunity.
Visible Signs Of Aging
While we generally suggest the typical lifespan of a tire to be around 10 years or so, there isn’t really an easy way to predict how long your tires will last. This is simply because we all drive differently and there are a variety of issues that affect its life, such as maintenance, storage, use, temperature, driving conditions, load, pressure, speed, and your driving style – so it’s important that you pay close attention to your tires.
You should be looking for cracking, deformations, bald patches, and more. This is something you should do on a weekly basis – once they are five, though, a professional should inspect them annually. Your tires should be replaced every 10 years – even if you think they look fine.