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How to Identify Signs of Tire Problems
Tire issues can occur at a moment’s notice on the road. And when they do, your vehicle will lose its balance and possibly place you in a dangerous driving situation. In order to ensure your safety on the road, it’s critical to identify the clear signs of tire problems. With years of experience in the sale of the latest vehicles, our experts present their guide for drivers within this latest post.
Balding of the Tire
Tire balding is a critical sign of potential issues in the future. If your vehicle’s tread wears down until there is little or no material left covering the foundation of the tire, you’ll find it incredibly difficult to control the vehicle while in motion. That’s why it’s important to perform spot checks of any vehicle under your ownership. For fleet operators, it’s important to conduct comprehensive tire checks on a regular basis to ensure each vehicle within the fleet is ready to perform.
Tire Age
The age of the tire is another leading consideration when analyzing the product for a replacement. Car manufacturers and parts experts have differing opinions on the age in which a tire becomes too dangerous to use. While manufacturers such as Nissan and BMW recommend vehicle users replace their tires every six years, the tire manufacturers such as Continental say they believe a quality tire should last around ten years. Look for the tread bars on the tires to determine if the tires have been worn out with age. To determine the current age for a vehicle’s tires, look for the DOT code, which is included on all tires made after 2000. The DOT code references the year the car was made and the week in which it was produced. For example a car made in the tenth week of 2011 would have a DOT code that reads 1011. The DOT code can be found on the exterior of the tire.
Wear and Tear on Back Tires
In many vehicles with older tires, there will be significant wear and tear on the back tires rather than the front tires. Tires on the back of the vehicle face unique performance related challenges compared with tires on the front of the vehicle. These challenges might include suspension-related vehicle issues and braking related wear. Rear wheels that are wearing may show abnormal wearing patterns related to feathering, cupping, and edge wear. These can have significant implications on the driver’s ability to retain control of the vehicle and should be analyzed by a specialist to determine whether the tires should be replaced.
To learn more on the many considerations when analyzing a vehicle’s tires, speak with our vehicle sales team today at 800.326.2877. Our experts are now offering reduced pricing on many of the top vehicles for sale from the market’s leading manufacturers.
