What are the Signs You Need New Tyres?
- 15 Jul 2024
- Articles
Photo by Frank Albrecht on Unsplash
Most people don't consider changing their tyres until they get a flat on the road. Unfortunately, this shouldn't be the case. Your tyres interact directly with motorways more than any other component of your car.
During each trip, they come in contact with different elements on the road, including stone particles and other debris. The consistent, daily use of your tyres can lead to wear and tear, and faulty auto tyres are unsafe for driving.
As such, it's crucial to always evaluate car tyres to determine if they're fit for the road. In this article, we dive into five indicators that your tyres might need a replacement.
If you're planning a visit to the mechanic for an alloy refurb in Swindon, including new tyres in your budget might be necessary if you discover any of these signs:
1. Cracked Sidewall
Like most components of a car, your tyres age. One of the signs of old tyres are cracks on the sidewall. These ruptures indicate a disintegration in the chemicals in the rubber over time.
Some weather conditions like harsh sunlight and snow also contribute to this breakdown. Of course, you might want to ignore it as a minor fault, but driving with a cracked tyre sidewall can lead to a blowout and an accident.
Considering the fact that 33,000 passenger vehicle accidents in the US result from faulty tyres, we would recommend getting a replacement after noticing cracks in your sidewall.
2. Vibrations While Driving
Vibrations while navigating a rough terrain are completely normal. But on a smooth road surface? It might be time to get your tyres checked. Constant vibrations as you drive your automobile could be a pointer to alignment or balancing issues.
If you let this fault linger for too long, it could wear out your tyre in no time. Let's not forget the fact that a vibrating vehicle is a threat to other road users and your own life as you sit on the steering wheel.
3. Worn Tyre Tread
Your tyre tread is responsible for maintaining grip as your car moves on the road. Unfortunately, they're also susceptible to wear and tear. Typically, brand new cars have a tread depth of 8mm.
With consistent use, tread depth can reduce significantly. However, it should never be allowed to go below 1.5mm. An excessively worn-out tyre tread reduces your tyre’s grip and increases the risk of an auto crash.
As such, you should consistently check the tread wear bars on your tyre to determine if it's time to see a mechanic. These bars typically sit in between the tread and are considered worn-out once they're level with the tread blocks.
Conclusion
Faulty tyres automatically make your car unfit for the road. While some folks are guilty of changing their tyres only when they've gone flat, it's good practice to evaluate these vital components of your car regularly. Check for elements like cracks in the sidewall or a worn-out tread.
As a rule, we recommend changing your tyres every five years, as they typically show signs of wear after a five-year period. Keeping your tyres in healthy condition is crucial to keeping yourself and other road users safe.