Want to learn about the common problems you may face with your tyres when owning a vehicle? This short article will list the most common problems we see daily with car owners, with the solutions to fix the issue.
Driving with any of these issues may put yourself and other vehicles on the road at risk, due to the increased chance of collision. If you suspect any of these issues apply to your vehicle, contact your local tyre garage.
Cracks and Bulges
Cracks and bulges may appear in your vehicle tyres due to them being under-deflated. A tyre with an insufficient amount of air in will crack or bulge as the warm air in the tyre rises, causing friction which results in damage to the tyre.
When it comes to cracked tyres, there is only one solution. You can’t fix cracked tyres as the structure of the tyre has been compromised. The only option you have is to replace the tyre. This should be completed by a professional mechanic or someone with experience in changing tyres.
Tyre cracking can be prevented by adding tyre protectors or ensuring your tyres are full of air, frequently. We recommend that you check your tyre pressure and tread length monthly.
Under Inflation
An underinflated tyre causes an increase in the surface area of the tyre that is in contact with the road, which leads to an increase in friction. A high amount of friction will lead to overheating, which will likely result in wear and tear or a popped tyre.
A car tyre blowout can lead to a car crash or accident. You should check your tyre pressure before a long journey. Colder temperatures lower tyre pressure, and warmer temperatures raise tyre pressure. The best time to check your tyre pressure is after your car has been stationary for a few hours.
You can take your car to a petrol station or garage to pump your car tyres. If you have pumped your tyre multiple times and the air still deflates, you likely have a puncture. You should always take your vehicle to a professional mechanic to repair your puncture unless you have experience in fixing punctures or replacing tyres.
Wear and Tear
The more you drive your vehicle, the more worn your tyres will be. It’s important to monitor your tyre's tread depth to ensure it’s safe to drive and it’s within the legal limit. The minimum tread depth is 1.6mm. You must change your tyres when the legal limit is reached as not only would this be breaking the law, but you would be putting yourself and other drivers in danger.
Your tyre tread is used for grip on the road, allowing your tyres to keep in contact with the road surface. Having less tyre tread than the legal limit will increase the risk of you losing control of your vehicle, or potentially lead to a tyre blowout.
Once your tyres are shorter than the legal limit, you must have your tyres replaced. Every 1mm of tread length will last approximately 1,000-4,000 miles but this will depend on the weather and your driving style.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the health of your vehicle tyres must be regularly checked, kept up to the legal standards and replaced when necessary. Choosing the right tyre is also an important factor to consider when replacing the tyres of your vehicle. There are many factors to consider when choosing your tyres such as; driving experience, driving style, road conditions, alignment and more.
Want to find out more? Speak with our vehicle tyre specialists to see if you qualify for new tyres, or to simply ask any questions.
We are the leading independent provider of Tyres in Tunbridge Wells. Pop in and visit us in store or book an appointment with our team today!
Written on 19th March 2024