Your tires are where are vehicle meets the road. Regular tire inspection and maintenance is often overlooked. However, it is important that you are aware of the signs of needing new tires so that you can avoid any potential issues. While a professional auto repair shop will be able to provide you with new tires, tires that suddenly fail can prove to have serious consequences. Becoming familiar with signs to look for will help you when driving and visually inspecting your car.
Worn Tread
Tread is a very important aspect of your car’s tires. They help to provide traction and grip on the road. Tread that is too far worn down will require that you visit an auto repair shop to repair your car and give you a fresh set of new tires. A quick test to see if your tread is too worn down is called the quarter test. Take a quarter and flip George Washington’s head upside down and stick between the tread. If you can see the top of his head, the tread is too low and could cause problems on the roadway. If this is the case, you will want to visit an auto repair shop that can help you to choose from different types of tires.
Bulges
During your visual inspection, look for bulging and blistering that may be present on your tire’s surface. Tires that are suffering damage are not a good fit for driving. These particular issues on a tire could result in a blowout due to damage on the tire’s sidewall. These types of problems can arise due to natural aging of the tire, rain, and snow. A professional auto repair shop can guide you towards choosing appropriate all season tires for the weather you encounter. If your vehicle’s wheels are poorly aligned, this can also cause damage and bulges. An auto repair shop will be able to dissect and diagnose the root problem, if there is one, and fix any damage.
Shaking and Vibration
A vehicle that constantly shakes is a cause for concern and should be addressed immediately. Shaking on the roadway can sometimes be attributed to damaged or misaligned tires. However, this can also mean that the interior of your tire is suffering from damage. Continuing to drive your car while it is vibrating constantly can cause further damage and prove to cause dangerous issues. An auto repair shop can help you by assessing what is causing the constant vibrating and provide you with options on how to fix it.
Driving on a Spare
A spare tire is a great option for when you have a flat tire and it is important to always keep on in your car. However, spare tires are not meant for long-term use. They are meant to provide you with a means to go and get a new tire. They are only meant as a temporary fix because they are not made for your vehicle to drive on them for an extended period of time. They are not made to withstand the wear and tear that regular tires are faced with and do not provide as much traction.
Regular inspection and maintenance of your vehicle’s tires is an essential part of car ownership. In order to keep your vehicle safe for the road, you will want to make sure your tires are not experiencing any damage that could prove to be dangerous. A professional auto repair shop can help you figure out what exactly is causing the damage and supply you with a solution.