The Importance Of A Tire Inspection
The Importance Of A Tire Inspection
Tires are a key part of your car’s braking and handling performance. If they aren’t maintained properly, they can wear out prematurely and lead to costly repairs or even catastrophic failures. A little preventative care in the form of routine inspections can go a long way towards avoiding these costly issues down the road.
Tread Depth
Your tires are one of the most important components of your vehicle. They are the only point of contact between your car and the road, so it’s crucial to make sure that they are in good condition before a trip or long drive. The main functions of your tires include providing stability, transmitting traction and braking forces, and absorbing shocks. They also help you maintain the proper driving speed and direction while minimizing fuel usage. When it comes to your truck’s tires, tread depth is especially critical for safe driving. Generally, the deepest tread grooves on your tires are in the center of the tire. You can check your tire’s tread depth by using a simple graduated probe gauge that you can find at any auto parts store. This tool has a thin retractable rod and a perpendicular “foot” that rests in a groove on your tire’s tread. When you push the “foot” down, it will show you the tread depth.
Damage
Damaged tires are a common problem for drivers. They are not only aesthetically unappealing, but they can be dangerous as well. The most common type of damage is cracking and bulges in the sidewall. These can occur because of aging, low-quality tires, and exposure to extreme temperatures. If you see a bulge in your tire, take it to the shop as soon as possible. This can indicate that the sidewall is weak and may cause a blowout or loss of air pressure. Another type of damage is cuts that can be caused by bad road conditions, protruding bodywork parts or sharp, foreign objects like stones or glass. Cuts can be small or large, but they all result in the sidewall being damaged. The sidewalls of your tire are not strong enough to repair these damages, so it is important to have them checked by a professional.
Irregular Wear
Uneven wear on your tires is not only an aesthetic issue, but it can also cause problems for your vehicle’s performance. Irregular tire wear can be caused by a number of things, including misalignment, imbalance and suspension issues. Irregular tread wear is a sign that you need to have your suspension and tires inspected. A proper alignment will keep your tires from wearing unevenly and make sure that they’re angled correctly to help you steer accurately.
The earliest signs of irregular wear include scalloping or feathering on the inner and outer edges of your tires’ tread blocks. This is a symptom of a bent wheel or a bent steel belt within your tires, which can be the result of potholes, curb strikes or manufacturing defects. Irregular wear can also occur around the circumference of your tires, which can indicate that there is an underlying problem with the suspension system or a misbalance issue. Regular inspections can help you spot these issues early and avoid serious damage or an accident-causing blowout.
Pressure
Aside from their primary function of transmitting traction and braking forces to the road surface, tires also provide protection against the elements. Keeping your vehicle’s tires properly inflated and performing well will help to maximize tire life, increase fuel efficiency and reduce overall maintenance costs. Evan Perrow, senior product marketing manager for commercial tires at Goodyear, said that a vehicle’s air pressure is one of the most important factors in determining tire performance. He urged drivers to check the inflation levels of their tires at least once a week — more often if possible. Generally, the ideal tire pressure is indicated on a label on the inside of the driver’s door jamb or inside the vehicle’s owner’s manual. If you can’t find this sticker, use a tire pressure gauge to ensure that the air in your tires is inflated at or near the recommended PSI.
Categorised in: Safe Driving, Tires, Vehicle Maintenance