As the single point of contact between your vehicle and the road, it is perhaps unsurprising that problems with your tyres can crop up relatively frequently. Wear and tear, uneven roads and imperfect driving habits are big contributors to many tyre problems. However, to reduce the likelihood of being caught out by a damaged tyre, simply checking your tyres’ condition frequently can be a big help. Problems come in many shapes and sizes, ranging from obvious causes for concern to issues which need regular inspection to pick up on. Let’s take a look at some of the most common tyre problems.
Incorrect pressure
Ensuring your tyres are inflated to the correct level will help your car’s fuel economy, improve safety and extend the life of the tyres themselves. The optimum tyre pressure range for your vehicle can be found in your owner’s manual. Check your tyres regularly and, should the pressure need altering, take them to your local petrol station to use their pressure gauge and pump.
Under-inflated and over-inflated tyres have different problematic consequences.
With under-inflated tyres:
- The outside edges of the tyre will wear quicker than the rest
- Tyres can overheat
- Increases the risk of a tyre blowout
- Fuel consumption will increase
- Handling can become sluggish
With over-inflated tyres:
- The middle of the tyre will wear out quicker than the rest
- Handling will decrease
- Tyre lifespan will decrease
Worn tyres
At some point it is inevitable you will experience worn tyres which will need replacement. Over time, the tread on your tyres will wear down and your tyres’ grip on surfaces will decrease. The legal limit for minimum tread depth is 1.6mm and you should regularly check your tyres to ensure they do not go below this. Really, tyres need to be changed before they reach this minimal level for safe and reliable grip and handling.
Misalignment
If your tyres have not been aligned correctly when fitted, this will cause uneven wear. If you notice that a tyre has worn down more on one side than the other, this is likely a sign of misalignment. You should take your car to a garage to have it replaced and aligned correctly. Uneven wear can also be a sign of suspension problems so be sure to highlight the issue to your mechanic who will be able to identify the source of the problem.
Cracks, punctures and bulges
Perhaps the most obvious tyre problem, physical defects such as cracks, punctures or bulges are often the result of an impact blow. Particularly if you are traveling at speed when it happens, hitting potholes, speed bumps, debris or the kerb can all cause tyre damage. If you notice any physical defects on your tyres, you should get them checked out at a garage. Harm on the surface of the tyre can often belie worse underlying problems and so you will likely need a tyre replacement to ensure your safety on the road.
If you notice any of these common tyre problems on your vehicle, book in your car with Citroen Peugeot Specialists. We can offer you expert advice and provide a cost effective tyre repair or replacement to ensure you’re safe and back on the road in no time.
Citroen Peugeot Specialists offer a friendly, thorough and reliable service, informed by over 30 years’ experience. Our mechanics are well-qualified to deal with a wide range of problems across all makes and models of vehicle. Our passion for the industry means we keep up to date with the latest technology and methods, allowing us to offer efficient, high quality repairs. For more information about our services, or to book your car into our Finchley garage, contact our team today.