At Westerville Automotive in Westerville, OH, we want you to be able to recognize an issue with your tires. It’ll keep you safe, prevent a blowout, and let you see for yourself whether or not a tire needs to be replaced. Here’s a short guide to tire problems.
Bald Tread
Bald tread is the most obvious signal that you need new tires. You might be familiar with the old penny trick - if you insert a penny into the tread upside down, Lincoln's head should be partially obscured. That’s a good gauge for 2/32 of an inch; your tire may also have an indicator bar built into it, which displays how far your tread is gone without the need to rustle up a penny.
Bald tread in specific locations
Your tires may bald down the middle, only on the outside, or just on the inner edge of the tire. The latter is particularly pervasive; sometimes, the tread looks good from the outside of the vehicle, but the inner edge has almost completely worn through. You may even see wires sticking out - a sure sign you need to get them changed in a hurry.
Knots/Broken Belts
A tire can fail internally, even if the rubber outside looks great, the cords inside could be damaged, causing distortion or knots to form. Sometimes you can see them, sometimes you can feel the distortion with your hands, and sometimes it’s nearly impossible to notice.
Dry Rot
Dry rot occurs when tires are exposed to the sun for too long, or are simply too old. It’ll look like oxidation and the tire surface will appear rough. The tread might look great, but the tire itself is compromised. It’s weakened dramatically, and could come apart on you while driving.
Road Hazards
Rocks, screws, nails, gouges, and cuts in tires sometimes occur from debris, curbs, or other obstacles. It may be obvious, it may not be - sometimes damage or debris stuck in the tread can be harder to spot than you think.
If you do notice an issue with your tire, don’t wait to get it replaced. Our technicians can change a tire out on your commercial truck or fleet vehicle in no time, saving you from hours wasted on the side of the road with a blowout. Come by Westerville Automotive in Westerville, OH today!
