How to Inspect Your Tires

Inspect tires regularly for best wear and worry-free driving.

Have you taken a good look at your tires lately? Since they’re the only thing between your car and the pavement, maybe it’s time for a close inspection. This means getting the car off the ground and on a lift.

Automobile tires are designed to last thousands of miles, through just about every conceivable road condition, but it’s not the road that’s responsible for premature tire wear. It’s neglect. Following are four causes of early tire wear or failure:

Incorrect inflation

Under-inflated tires tend to wear along the sides while over-inflation will wear a strip down the middle of the tread. Radial tires tend to look a little soft all the time, but don’t be fooled and assume inflation is correct. If you don’t already own one, says the Car Care Council, spend a few dollars for a tire gauge and use it at least once a month.  This will also help to ensure the best fuel economy possible.

Incorrect alignment

Periodic adjustments to steering and suspension components can generally correct this condition. You’ll notice greatly improved steering and handling after correcting a misalignment problem. You’ll also get better tire wear.

If you own a front wheel drive car, you probably may also require rear wheel alignment adjustments too.

Wheels out of balance

Tires that don’t wear evenly often are victims of this condition. The loss of just one balancing weight from the wheel rim, due to impact with a chuck hole or curb, can be enough to throw a wheel out of balance.

The flat spots that wear into the tread of an out-of-balance tire will cause a thumping sound like lumps on the road surface. Worn shock absorbers or struts will accentuate the symptoms and aggravate tread wear.

Poor driving habits

Carelessly driving over bumps and holes or running into curbs can damage tires, and change wheel alignment and/or balance. High speed driving and cornering too fast also may contribute to premature tire wear.

Rotate your tires every 6000-8000 miles.
Balance tires once a year or at 15000 miles.