The Motorist Guide to common tire problems - spot them and solve them
Struggling with tire-wear issues? Learn how to identify the problem, determine the possible cause and decide on the best solution.
Your tires are your car’s foundation. They take you everywhere - from your daily commutes to epic road trips. But over time, even the best tires might develop issues that impact safety, fuel efficiency and overall performance.
Knowing what’s wrong with your tires and how to fix the problem could potentially save you from a bigger headache.
Let’s dive into the most common tire problems, what they look like, and how you can solve them to keep your car running smoothly and efficiently on its tires.
1. Uneven Crossed Wear
What it looks like:
The tire shows diagonal wear patterns, often forming a crisscross pattern on the tread.
The cause/s:
1a. Misaligned wheels.
1b. Failing suspension components.
1c. Uneven weight distribution.
The solution:
Get your wheels aligned regularly and the suspension system inspected. Misalignment not only damages your tires but also reduces fuel efficiency, meaning you’ll spend more on petrol for nothing.
2. Side Wear
What it looks like:
The edges of the tire tread are worn, but the centre remains intact.
The cause:
Underinflation of the tire is usually the main culprit. Low/inadequate tire pressure forces the tire’s edges to bear the weight of the vehicle, resulting in excessive wear.
The solution:
Check your tire pressure monthly and inflate your tires to the manufacturer’s recommended PSI. Proper inflation not only extends tire life, but also enhances fuel economy.
3. Middle Wear
What it looks like:
The centre of the tread is smooth and worn down, but the edges appear to be newer and untouched.
The cause:
Overinflation of the tire creates a bulge, causing the centre area to carry most or all of the load.
The solution:
Use a reliable tire pressure gauge and stick to the PSI recommendation in your car manual. Proper inflation ensures even tire-wear and maximises safety.
4. Uneven Spot Wear
What it looks like:
Scattered patches of excessive wear appear randomly on the tire surface.
The cause/s:
4a. Unbalanced tires.
4b. Faulty brakes.
4c. Damaged suspension components.
The solution:
Have your tires balanced and your suspension checked by a professional. Ignoring this issue could lead to uneven braking and reduced tire life.
5. One-Sided Wear
What it looks like:
One side of the tire is significantly more worn than the other.
The cause:
Misalignment or suspension problems, such as worn control arms or ball joints.
The solution:
Get your wheels aligned and have your suspension components inspected regularly. Remember, one-sided wear impacts handling and safety, especially on winding roads.
6. Bald Tires
What it looks like:
The tread is completely worn out, leaving the tire smooth.
The cause:
The tire has reached the end of its lifespan or is overused without proper maintenance.
The solution:
Replace bald tires immediately. Driving on bald tires is a serious safety risk, especially during the rainy season, as they lose grip on wet roads.
Why tire maintenance is crucial
Failing to maintain your tires doesn’t just increase the risk of accidents - it also impacts your wallet. Poorly-maintained tires increase rolling resistance, meaning you’ll burn more fuel. This adds up on your gasoline bills. Inconsistent tire wear compromises handling, braking, and overall driving safety, especially during heavy rainfall.
Pro tips for extending tire life
1. Rotate your tires every 10,000 kilometres to ensure even wear.
2. Check your tire pressure monthly.
3. Keep an eye on tread depth - replace tires with less than 1.6mm of tread.
4. Avoid overloading your vehicle - it puts unnecessary strain on your tires.
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