Keeping your car in excellent condition guarantees a smooth ride, longevity, and safety. But knowing how to keep it in this state, you need to understand what may go wrong, how to fix it, and how to prevent the problem. For instance, tires are a vital part of your car. While they help in motion by providing a firm grip on the road, they are still prone to damage.
Here are common tire damages you should know.
Tire Damages
The most common types of irregular wear are from normal tire usage, also called heel and toe wear caused by friction on the road, one-sided wear caused by wheel misalignment, and center wear caused by over-inflation. Check your car's tread bars and identify the location and amount of wear which tells you the damage type. It also causes handling and traction problems.
Tire punctures are caused by sharp objects such as nails, broken glass, screws, sharp stones on rough roads, and more. When punctured, your tires lose pressure leading to a loss of grip on the road and reduced handling. Punctures can be rapid or slow. To identify such damages, always inspect your tires before driving.
Tire wall damage happens through bulges and cuts. For example, when you hit a pothole or curb, it weakens the structural integrity of your tire, weakening its sidewalls. The pressure inside causes a bulge on the tire. Cuts occur mainly by driving under-inflated tires over sharp objects. When you notice slits or bubbles trapped under your tire walls, you have sidewall damage.
In many cases, tire bursts occur while driving. When your tire walls fail to hold the air inside, it will cause a burst. This damage is usually caused by driving under-inflated tires. It's easy to identify because you will hear the sound, and it will cause steering and handling problems.
When driving and your tire experiences changes in force against the road surface, irregular patches appear across the treads. You will notice this damage when you feel as if your tires are bouncing on the road instead of rolling constantly and smoothly.
Importance of having a Good Set of Tires
Tire damage comes in different types and causes, and sometimes it may happen without your knowledge. Experts advise following the manufacturer's recommendations on sustaining new tires' longevity. Also, constantly check your tires before driving to prevent costly and avoidable repairs. Having a good set of tires guarantees:
- Top performance
- Safety
- Efficiency
- Traction and better handling
But if you have a tire problem or feel it's time to replace them, bring your car to Portland Automotive today. Our experts will ensure you are riding smoothly again.