Every time you drive your car, the tyres experience some degree of wear and tear. As the tyres continue to wear out and degrade, they gradually lose their braking ability and traction. The performance and safety of your car depends greatly on the efficiency of the tyres. It is therefore important that you change them before they become worn out completely.
Below are some signs that you should change your tyres:
If they have reached the legal limit of wear
In the UK, the tread depth of tyres is not supposed to fall below 1.6 millimeters. Tread depth can be measured by a professional using a gauge. You could also do it yourself using a 20 pence coin. Insert the pence flat into the tyre’s tread; if some of the outer edges of the coin are visible, the tread is excessively worn out. Make arrangements to change the tyres as you could be breaking the law, and they may not be providing the safety required.
When cracks and cuts start to appear on the sidewall
Problems with tyres can also show on the sidewall. If you notice distinct cuts, grooves or tracks in the sidewall, it could signify that the tyres are developing leaks or that they are almost blowing out. A blowout is a serious problem that can cause fatalities. You can avoid it by changing the tyres.
If they have blisters and bulges
Blisters and bulges on tyres are signs that the outer surface of the tyres has started to weaken. They also signify weak spots that may lead to failure of the tyres. It is advisable to change your tyres at this point as delaying could put your life in danger.
When they show signs of aging
The life of tyres is determined by various factors including driving style, pressure, speed, load, maintenance, temperature and conditions of use and storage. Signs of aging may include deformation, perforation or cracking of the rubber. Be on the look out for excessive tyre fatigue and aging as it could lead to loss of grip. Even when the tyres do not show signs of aging, the industry requires that they are changed after 6 to 10 years.
When there is uneven and abnormal wear
Sometimes the tyres may have abnormal and uneven wear at the edges, in the middle and in patches. This could be due to a mechanical problem such as faulty transmission, suspension, wheel balance, wheel alignment, under-inflation or over-inflation. If the problem cannot be fixed by your tyre specialist, it is time to replace them.
If any of the tyres is different from the others
All the tyres in your car should be of the same type. When tyres are of different constructions, sizes and stages of wear, they affect the car’s stability and handling. They should also be suited to your vehicle according to the recommendations of the car manufacturer. This ensures high performance all-round. If any of the tyres is different from the others, it is advisable to change it. The tyres of your car play a major role in ensuring your safety. You should check them regularly to ensure that they are in optimal condition. If you notice any of the above mentioned problems, it is time to invest in new tyres. If you are not sure, consult car tyre experts such as “Point-S.co.uk“.
My name is James Smith & i am a total Car racing gizmo. Blogging is a fantastic creative outlet for me. I have expertise in writing about auto parts, power drive automotive, and brake repair services etc. I love travelling too.