Tires do more than just keep your car moving. They’re the only part of your vehicle that touches the road, and their condition has a direct impact on safety, handling, and braking. Yet, tire problems are often overlooked until they lead to more serious issues like blowouts, loss of control, or premature wear.
Knowing the most common tire issues can help you catch problems early and avoid costly or dangerous outcomes. Here are five tire-related concerns that deserve your attention.
1. Uneven Tire Wear
When tires wear unevenly, it’s usually a sign that something else isn’t right. Poor alignment, unbalanced tires, or suspension issues can cause uneven wear. You might notice that one side of the tread is more worn than the other or that the center or edges are wearing out faster.
If left unchecked, uneven wear shortens the lifespan of your tires and affects how well your car grips the road. This can increase your stopping distance and make your vehicle feel unstable in turns or on wet surfaces.
Regular tire rotations and alignment checks can help prevent this problem, keeping your ride safer and smoother.
2. Low Tire Pressure
Driving with underinflated tires is one of the most common safety issues. Low pressure reduces the contact area between the tire and the road, which leads to poor traction, slower braking, and reduced fuel efficiency. It also causes the tire to flex more, generating excess heat that can lead to a blowout.
Many modern vehicles have a Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) that alerts you when the pressure drops too low, but it’s still a good habit to check tire pressure monthly with a manual gauge. Even a few PSI below the recommended level can make a difference in performance and safety.
3. Tire Damage From Potholes or Debris
A sharp impact from a pothole, curb, or road debris can damage the internal structure of a tire. Sometimes, the damage is obvious, like a bulge in the sidewall or a cut in the tread, but other times, the tire may look fine while harboring internal harm that weakens its integrity.
Tires with sidewall bulges or exposed cords should never be driven on, even for short distances. At our repair shop, we inspect tires for both visible and hidden damage to ensure they’re safe before getting you back on the road.
4. Old or Dry-Rotted Tires
Tires don’t last forever, even if the tread still looks good. Rubber naturally degrades over time due to exposure to heat, sunlight, and oxygen. This process can cause cracking on the sidewalls or between the treads—commonly known as dry rot.
Old or dry-rotted tires are more likely to fail suddenly, especially at highway speeds. That’s why it’s important to replace tires that are more than six years old, even if they haven’t hit the mileage limit yet.
Check the DOT code on the tire sidewall for the manufacturing date. If your tires are past their prime, it’s time to consider a new set.
5. Worn Tread Depth
Tread depth is what helps your tires grip the road, especially in wet conditions. As the tread wears down, your vehicle becomes more prone to hydroplaning, longer stopping distances, and reduced cornering stability.
The minimum legal tread depth in most states is 2/32 of an inch, but for better safety (especially in the rain), it’s a good idea to replace tires at 4/32 or even 6/32 if you’re driving in snowy areas.
You can use a penny to check your tread: Insert it head-first into the tread groove. If you can see all of Lincoln’s head, your tread is too low.
When to Have Your Tires Inspected
If you’ve noticed vibrations, drifting, odd noises, or inconsistent handling, it’s time to get your tires looked at. Even small issues can snowball into bigger safety concerns, especially at high speeds or in bad weather.
Regular tire inspections can help prevent accidents, extend tire life, and improve overall driving comfort. Our team uses advanced equipment to check for alignment issues, tread depth, pressure problems, and hidden damage.
Hometown Tire and Auto – Keeping Liberty, TX Drivers Safe on the Road
At Hometown Tire and Auto in Liberty, TX, we take tire safety seriously. Whether you need a pressure check, a tire rotation, or a full replacement, our experienced team will help you drive with confidence.
Stop by for a tire inspection today and make sure your vehicle is ready for whatever the road throws at you.