Emergency Tire Situations: Key Indicators Your Vehicle Needs Immediate Attention
October 20, 2023
Tires
Discover some key indicators that your vehicle is in trouble and needs some help as soon as possible.
Tire Emergencies
A tire emergency is when one or more of your tires have gone flat, are going flat, or have suffered some form of significant damage. This can happen on any drive for any number of reasons. You can do everything right and take care of your tires properly and still suffer from a puncture.
The best way to prepare yourself is to carry a spare tire, lug wrench, and jack with you at all times in your vehicle. Not everybody is physically capable of jacking up their car and installing a tire. You can become a dues-paying member of an association such as CAA and they can send somebody to visit you and change your tire for you wherever you suffered the flat.
Driving on a flat tire is very bad for your rims. It’s much more expensive to replace a wheel than a tire, which you do not want. However, modern tires rarely go from good condition to flat instantly. They can rupture and, essentially, explode, but usually there are warning signs. That’s why it’s helpful to know about some key indicators that your tires are in danger of giving out on you.
How To Know If Your Tires Are In Trouble
It’s wise to have a look at your tires once or twice a month. Visually inspect them and check your tire pressure to ensure they’re inflated properly. Here are some things to look for when examining your tires:
Bulges Or Blisters
Bulges or blisters on the sidewall of a tire indicate damage that goes beyond reasonable wear and tear. Driving over potholes, curbs, and various debris can cause the sidewall to bulge and blister. A damaged sidewall can weaken your tire’s structure and should be replaced.
Cracks And Cuts
Inspect your tires for any cracks or cuts. These can be caused by driving over sharp objects on the road and general aging. Cracks in the sidewall are particularly concerning, as they can lead to tire failure.
Excessive Vibration
If you feel excessive vibration or wobbling, especially at high speeds, this could be a sign of tire damage. The culprit might be an out-of-balance tire, a bent rim, or internal tire problems. At TIRECRAFT, we have tire experts who can inspect your tires and wheels if you experience this issue.
Loss Of Air Pressure
Your tires may lose some air pressure over time, but frequent loss of air pressure can be a sign of a slow leak or a puncture. If you find yourself having to inflate a tire regularly, it would be wise to bring your vehicle in to have your tires inspected for potential damage.
Tread Wear
The treads on all tires wear down over time. Your tires don’t have to be in mint condition to be useful, but it is also not safe to drive on them when there is no tread left either. Write down the tread depth when you get new tires or take a measurement of them now. When you measure them next and the treads on the tires have shrunk measurably, it may be time for new tires.
Uneven Tire Wear
Irregular or uneven wear patterns on a tire’s surface might be symptomatic of alignment issues or other problems. Check for cupping (wavy patterns) or scalloping (sharp, uneven wear) on the tire. These patterns suggest problems that need to be addressed.
Regularly inspecting your tires for these signs of damage is essential for your safety and the longevity of your tires. If you notice any of the above issues, it’s wise to have a TIRECRAFT tire specialist assess the condition of your tires and recommend any necessary repairs or replacements.
How TIRECRAFT Can Help You
At TIRECRAFT, we have many different kinds of tires for sale from all the most popular tire brands. If you need replacement tires, we can sell them to you and install them on your vehicle. But we also offer services that can prolong the lifespan of your tires.
Tire rotations and tire balancing are helpful because they ensure that not just one or two of your tires always carry an inordinate amount of your vehicle’s weight. This prevents uneven tire wear. We can also perform a wheel alignment to address uneven tire wear, as well as steering and suspension issues.
Come To Tirecraft For All Your Tire Needs.
Whether you want new tires, tire services, or any automotive maintenance or repair, please contact us. You can find a list of our locations here.
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