How to Identify a Worn-Out Tyre: Car tires are directly related to your safety, but people often ignore the signs of their wear. Even though tires may look fine on the outside, they may be weak on the inside. Especially due to prolonged use, bad roads, wrong tire pressure and fast driving, their grip and braking ability can be affected. Worn tires can prove to be more dangerous in the rain or on wet roads as their ability to cut through water reduces.
In such a situation, it is very important to regularly check the tires of the car. The good thing is that you yourself can initially identify whether there is a need to change the tire or not. For this, attention should be paid to tire tread, wear, cracks, age and signs seen during driving. Let us know how to easily identify the major signs of tire damage.
Be sure to check the depth of the trade
The biggest sign of wear is the reduction in the depth of the tire tread, i.e. the part that contacts the road. The tread pattern in a new tire appears clear and deep, but it gradually diminishes with use. The tread-wear indicator bar on the tire also gives this information. When the tread reaches these indicators, it should be considered time to change the tyre. Especially in rain, a tire with low tread can lose grip on the road.
Check for cracks and cuts on tires
Seeing small or big cracks, cuts or bulges on the sidewall and tread of the tire is also a sign of concern. Due to prolonged exposure to sunlight, heat and aging, rubber can become hard and start cracking. If a deep crack or bulge is visible on the sidewall of the tyre, it should not be ignored. The risk of damage to such tires may increase and it is better to get them checked by an expert immediately.
Don’t ignore uneven wear
If one part of the tire is wearing more than the other, it is not just an indication of the age of the tire. Wrong wheel alignment, bad suspension or wrong tire pressure could be the reasons for this. Look carefully for excessive wear in the center, rim, or any part of the tire. In such a situation, just changing the tire may not be sufficient. It is also important to check other parts of the car including alignment and balancing.
Recognize driving signals
Many signs can be seen even while driving if a tire is damaged. These include the car’s steering vibrating excessively, pulling to one side or feeling less grip on the road. Unusual noise may also be heard from the tire at high speed. However, it is not necessary that every sound or vibration be caused by the tyre. Therefore, if such symptoms are felt continuously, the tire and wheel related parts should be checked.
Pay attention to tire age and usage
Tires do not get damaged just due to tread wear, their age is also important. Even if not used for a long period of time, the quality of the rubber can be affected over time. The age of a tire can be estimated by looking at the date of manufacture on its sidewall. If the tires are old and there are signs like cracks, hard rubber or less grip, then get them checked by an expert.
