Your car’s tyres are the only part of your vehicle that touch the road, making them crucial for both safety and performance. However, tyres can experience a range of issues that, if left unchecked, can lead to costly repairs or dangerous driving conditions. In this guide, we’ll explore the most common tyre problems and how you can prevent them to ensure your tyres stay in good condition.
For those who face tyre issues on the go, Mobile Tyre Surgeons (MTS) offers convenient mobile tyre repair and replacement services. MTS technicians can come directly to your location, providing quick and professional assistance.
1. Tyre Punctures
What is it?
Punctures are one of the most common tyre issues, caused by sharp objects like nails, glass, or screws penetrating the rubber. This can lead to a slow leak or a flat tyre, making it unsafe to continue driving.
Prevention Tips:
- Avoid debris: When possible, avoid driving through areas with debris, such as construction zones or areas with broken glass.
- Check your tyres regularly: Inspect your tyres for any visible signs of puncture, and remove any objects lodged in the rubber as soon as possible.
How to Fix:
Small punctures can often be repaired with a tyre patch or plug, but larger punctures may require a full tyre replacement. MTS offers mobile puncture repairs, so you don’t have to wait for long or risk driving on a damaged tyre.
2. Uneven Tyre Wear
What is it?
Uneven tyre wear occurs when the tread on one part of the tyre wears down faster than on the rest. This can be caused by improper tyre alignment, unbalanced wheels, or incorrect tyre pressure. Uneven wear reduces the tyre’s grip on the road and can make driving more hazardous.
Prevention Tips:
- Check tyre pressure regularly: Ensure your tyres are inflated to the manufacturer’s recommended pressure.
- Rotate your tyres: Rotating your tyres every 6,000-8,000 miles helps ensure even wear.
- Get regular alignment checks: Misaligned wheels can cause your tyres to wear unevenly, so it’s important to have your alignment checked and corrected as needed.
How to Fix:
If you notice uneven wear, have a professional inspect your tyres and check for alignment or balance issues. You may need to replace any tyres that have worn down excessively.
3. Tyre Cracking
What is it?
Tyre cracking, also known as dry rot, occurs when the rubber on your tyres begins to crack and deteriorate. This usually happens due to exposure to harsh weather conditions or prolonged periods without use. Cracks weaken the structure of the tyre, making it more susceptible to punctures or blowouts.
Prevention Tips:
- Park in a garage or shaded area: Protect your tyres from direct sunlight and extreme temperatures.
- Drive your car regularly: Tyres that sit idle for long periods are more prone to cracking.
- Apply a tyre protectant: Tyre dressings and protectants can help shield the rubber from UV rays and drying out.
How to Fix:
Once a tyre develops cracks, it’s generally unsafe to drive on and should be replaced. Regularly inspect your tyres for early signs of cracking and take preventative measures.
4. Low Tyre Pressure
What is it?
Low tyre pressure can occur when tyres lose air over time or due to a puncture. Driving on under-inflated tyres reduces fuel efficiency, increases wear and tear, and makes your vehicle harder to control, especially in wet or slippery conditions.
Prevention Tips:
- Check tyre pressure monthly: Use a tyre pressure gauge to check that your tyres are at the manufacturer’s recommended level.
- Fill tyres as needed: If the pressure is low, fill them with air at a service station or at home.
- Be mindful of temperature changes: Tyre pressure can fluctuate with changes in temperature, so check more frequently during seasonal shifts.
How to Fix:
If your tyres are consistently losing pressure, have them inspected for punctures or valve stem issues. For severe cases, tyre replacement might be necessary.
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5. Tyre Bulges and Blisters
What is it?
Bulges or blisters on the sidewall of a tyre are caused by air pockets forming inside the tyre, usually due to impact damage from hitting potholes, curbs, or other obstacles. These weakened areas can cause the tyre to fail, potentially leading to a blowout.
Prevention Tips:
- Drive carefully: Avoid hitting curbs or potholes at high speed, and drive cautiously over rough roads.
- Inspect tyres for damage: After hitting a large bump or pothole, check your tyres for any visible bulges or blisters.
How to Fix:
Tyres with bulges or blisters are not safe to drive on and should be replaced immediately. Regular inspections can help catch these issues early before they become dangerous.
6. Tread Wear Indicators (Bald Tyres)
What is it?
Tyre tread is essential for maintaining traction on the road. Over time, the tread will wear down, and once it becomes too shallow (less than 1.6mm), the tyre is considered “bald” and should be replaced. Bald tyres increase the risk of skidding and hydroplaning in wet conditions.
Prevention Tips:
- Regularly check tread depth: You can check your tread depth using a tread depth gauge or by using the “penny test” (placing a coin in the tread and seeing how much is visible).
- Rotate your tyres: This ensures the tread wears evenly across all tyres.
How to Fix:
Once the tread wears down to the legal limit or below, you’ll need to replace your tyres. If you’re unsure about your tyre’s condition, Mobile Tyre Surgeons (MTS) can perform an on-site inspection and recommend replacement if necessary.
7. Tyre Noise
What is it?
Excessive noise from your tyres could indicate a number of issues, such as uneven wear, misalignment, or low-quality tyres. While some noise is normal, especially on rough roads, persistent or unusual sounds should not be ignored.
Prevention Tips:
- Check for uneven wear: This is one of the most common causes of tyre noise.
- Keep your tyres properly inflated: Incorrect tyre pressure can cause them to produce more noise than usual.
- Use quality tyres: Low-quality tyres often produce more noise due to inferior materials.
How to Fix:
If your tyres are making unusual noise, have them inspected by a professional to determine the cause. You may need a tyre rotation, balancing, or alignment.
Conclusion
Tyre issues are not only inconvenient but can also pose serious safety risks. By regularly checking your tyres and following the preventive tips outlined above, you can avoid most common tyre problems and keep your vehicle safe on the road.
However, when tyre problems do arise, getting professional help quickly is important. Mobile Tyre Surgeons (MTS) offers expert mobile tyre repair and replacement services, providing a hassle-free solution for drivers facing tyre issues. MTS ensures that your tyres are in the best condition to keep you and your passengers safe.
