Your vehicle’s tires play an important role in your safety and overall driving experience. Think of it as your feet. It gets you where you need to go. When tires have been used for some time, the rubber eventually degrades and wears out. It’s only a matter of time before tire failure occurs.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 35% of car crashes are related to tire problems. Driving on worn-out tires is very dangerous, which is why regular tire inspection is always needed.
Accidents happen all the time, but there are warning signs of tire failure. As towing pros, we are here to enlighten you about the dangers of a damaged tire. This blog includes some warning signs you should look out for:
Blisters and Bumps
Like your feet, a vehicle’s tires can get blisters and bulges too. These spots appear when the outer surface of the tires is starting to weaken. Tires with bubbles or bulges are more prone to blowouts. A vehicle with tread bulging isn’t safe to drive. If you notice these signs, have your tires checked for repairs or replacement.
Worn-Out Treads
In general, the tread depth should not be below 1/16th of an inch. You can check tread depth by using the penny test. Take a penny and insert it with Lincoln’s head upside down. If the head is visible, your tires are not in good shape.
Worn-out treads are a sign of tire failure. There are two causes of damaged treadwear: overinflation and underinflation. When you have uneven tread wear, the overall lifespan of the tire is shortened. In such a case, tire replacement is required.
Visible Tread Wear Bars
Aside from the penny test, the tread wear bars help indicate signs of tire failure. The treadwear indicator bars are raised bars located in the tread grooves. Their main function is to help you visually measure the tread depth left on your tires. As the treads wear down, the indicator bar becomes more visible.
When there are 2/32 inches of tread left, it’s time to get a new set of tires. Rotating your tires is useless once the lowest tread depth is reached.
Unusual Vehicle Trembling
Another sign of tire failure is weird shaking or vibration while driving. Slight vibrations are normal, but excessive trembling is due to unbalanced or misaligned tires. If you notice excessive vibrations, there might be an internal problem with your tires. Abnormal tire wear will also cause tires to vibrate in a weird manner. Before the worst scenario happens, inspect your tires and have them replaced immediately.
Rubber Cracking
Cracks and cuts in the sidewalls are a sign of aging tires. These small cracks appear as the rubber dries out. Exposure to UV light, oils, and chemicals can break down compounds of your vehicle’s tires. When the flexibility of the rubber declines, the tire sidewall cracks will become more visible.
Minor and shallow sidewall cracks are not too much of a concern. What you need to take seriously are widespread cracks. If you spot them, replace your tires right away. Cracked tires can also be repaired using fillers—but these are only an aesthetic fix.
Cracks in tires can be avoided through proper care and regular inspection. Always make sure your tires are properly inflated. Every now and then, look for any tracks or cuts in the sidewall. You should also avoid using harmful chemicals and cleaning products that might degrade the tire’s compounds. A simple water-based cleaner can do the trick.
Thanks to the latest technology, special additives are now applied to the tires to delay the onset of cracking. They help increase grip and maintain a long tread life.
Let’s Assist You During a Tire Blowout
It’s best to take note of these warning signs before a complete tire failure causes an inconvenience. If your vehicle suffers a tire blowout, call our towing experts at Allentown Towing Company. We are a reputable tow service that provides reliable roadside assistance. Our team can easily change your flat tires or tow your vehicle to the destination of your choice.
We take pride in our years of experience and wide fleet of vehicles. For your roadside help and emergencies, call us today. We always go the extra mile to get you back on the road!