Vehicle maintenance is an important responsibility that you need to take seriously as an owner. Cleaning a car is the least you can do. You also need to make sure that you comply with government regulations so you can continue to have a safe driving experience. One of the most crucial aspects of keeping a well-maintained car is getting cheap tyres replaced once they start showing wear and tear. Here’s how you can recognise the signs that it’s time to get a tyre replacement:
Tread depth
This is perhaps the most important indicator of a tyre’s current condition. The tread is what lets a tyre grip the road, and once it starts wearing down, your car’s ability to handle driving on wet roads will be severely reduced. Most tyres these days come with built-in wear indicator bars, which are small, raised rubber bars that are located in the tyre’s grooves. Once the tread has worn down so much that it’s flush with these bars, then you need to get your tyres replaced.
Physical irregularities and damage
Do a regular inspection of your tyres so you can immediately spot visible damage or unusual patterns of wear. For instance, if you see that there’s a bulge on the side of your tyre, this indicates that its inner structure has been damaged and the air pressure inside is pushing through the weakened layer. Another indicator of damage is the presence of cracks on the sidewalls and the grooves. These telltale cracks can occur once the rubber becomes too brittle after being exposed to a lot of sunlight and harsh weather over time. Furthermore, you should check for spots where the tread is getting worn down more on one side than the other since this can mean there’s a problem with your car’s alignment or suspension.
Tyre age
Rubber compounds degrade over time, so regardless of a tyre’s appearance or lack of visible wear, you still need to get it replaced after a certain period. Check the date code on your tyre so you’ll know when it was manufactured since most manufacturers recommend that tyres must be replaced after six to ten years. Rubber that’s deteriorated with age increases the risk of failure for tyres, so replacing them becomes a matter of safety.
Performance issues
Pay close attention to how your car behaves while you’re driving since doing so will help you spot early warning signs. If you feel increased vibration in your steering wheel, for example, it could mean you have an unbalanced tyre. Yet another potential indicator of a problem is when you find yourself consistently having to add more air to a tyre, which might mean there’s a slow leak that’s being caused by a small puncture or a damaged rim. Lastly, if your vehicle seems to be sliding more easily on the road during rainy weather or if it’s feeling generally less responsive, then this is indicative of a tyre needing replacement.
For all your concerns about tyres and associated services, reach out to Southport Budget Tyres today and let our experts help you with your needs.
