Your tyres are the only grip your car has on the road – making sure they’re in good condition is a must to stay safe. If your car tyres are in bad shape, it will negatively affect the performance of every other system in your vehicle. That’s why it’s so important to know the warning signs your car tyres need replacing! Here are the five most important ones we think you should look out for.
1. There’s not enough tread in your tyres
The tread is the rubber on the outside of your tyre that gives you traction. Ideally, every time you drive on a road, you should have about as much tread as your thumb. If there are less than two millimetres of tread, or if you’re noticing any other unusual signs such as bald or cracked tyres, it’s time to get those tyres replaced!
2. There is damage on the tyre’s sidewall
The surface of the tyre is what touches the road, but you need to make sure it’s not damaged. It’s especially important to check for damage along the sidewall and where the tyre meets the rim. Damaged sidewall can cause leaks and blowouts, which can lead to serious accidents. Any bulging, cracking or exposed threads are signs that your tyres need to be replaced.
3. There are bad vibrations when you drive
Tyres don’t just offer you good traction, they also support the weight of your vehicle. If you find that your car is vibrating when you drive, there’s a chance that one or more of your tyres are damaged and need to be replaced. Vibration is especially bad for other driving systems like the steering and suspension – as a result, it could be hindering your safety on every drive.
4. You hear a loud flapping sound
This is a particularly bad sound to hear if you are driving, and is an indication that you have a flat tyre. The faster you accelerate, the louder the sound becomes, and the flapping sound goes more rapid and resembles the sound of an engine. If you suspect a flat tyre, be sure to drive your car to a place where you can safely change the tyre.
5. Steering wheel vibrations or alignment issues
A steering wheel that vibrates while you drive can be caused by a few variables – including worn tyres and other issues with your car’s suspension system. If the vibration is getting worse, you might have a problem with your car’s alignment. To keep the wear and tear on your tyres down, be sure to get these systems checked out as soon as possible.
It’s important to pay attention to the warning signs your car tyres need replacing. Using your car’s brakes, gauges and other systems as a guide can help you determine if it is time for new rubber. Now that you know what to look out for, be sure to replace your tyres before they fail completely!
