5 Common Wheel and Tyre Problems and How to Address Them
It’s safe to say that without your car’s wheels and tyres, you wouldn’t be able to go anywhere—literally. Aside from the rotary motion they facilitate, your car’s wheels and tyres also provide some extra cushioning against minor bumps and potholes.
However, because they move a lot and are more exposed to road hazards, your car’s wheels and tyres often experience problems. Even if they’re made from durable materials, they will eventually suffer from issues that can make your driving experience less comfortable and more dangerous.
The good thing is that these parts are easy to replace. There are many shops in New Zealand that sell wheels and tyres, as well as trusted auto parts suppliers for components like differential axles, wheel hubs, and more.
Of course, as a responsible car owner, you must be aware of the common problems with wheels and tyres to know when to repair or replace them. Below is a quick list you can use as a reference:
Misalignment
It’s logical to assume that your car’s tyres should wear down at the same time. After all, they all touch the ground at the same time when you’re driving. However, if your wheels are misaligned, one or two tyres will have balding treads much sooner than the others.
Make it a habit to check if your tyres have even wear and tear on the treads. You should also watch out for other common symptoms of wheel misalignment like your vehicle drifting to one side when driving or a crooked steering wheel. If you notice these signs, bring your car in for maintenance.
With your car’s wheels properly aligned, you can save a lot of money on replacement costs. You’ll also save your suspension system from unnecessary stress, and improve your overall fuel economy.
Worn Treads
A tyre’s treads serve many crucial purposes, including providing grip and enhancing traction, assisting with smooth acceleration, as well as ensuring quick braking response. Thus, monitoring your tyre’s treads regularly and replacing them once the tread depth gauge reaches its indicator is important.
Do note that it’s best to replace all four tyres at the same time. If you have tyres of different tread depths, they might spin at different speeds. This can then damage the drivetrain.
The good thing is that, depending on how often and where you drive, a vehicle’s tyres can last anywhere from 4 to 6 years. If you notice that the treads are wearing down a lot faster or the wear is uneven across the four tyres, have your vehicle checked for alignment issues?
Punctures
While vehicle tyres are made from high-quality rubber composites that can withstand a lot of abuse, they aren’t indestructible. For example, in the right circumstances, a stray nail or a sharp piece of glass can puncture your tyre.
If one or more tyres have a puncture, the handling of your car might feel a little wobbly. You may also find it difficult to steer the car. To be sure, conduct a visual inspection and see if there’s anything that might have pierced the rubber.
If there’s no evident cause of a puncture, inflate your tyres a little and then put a small amount of soapy water around the valve. Wait for a little while and see if air bubbles will form; if yes, then your tyre has a puncture somewhere.
Fortunately, as long as the sidewall isn’t damaged, you can still repair punctured tyres. Otherwise, they have to be replaced.
Cracks and Bulges
Aside from the occasional puncture, your car’s tyres may also suffer from the occasional crack or bulge. Usually, cracks happen to old tyres that have lost their elasticity. In addition, frequent and sudden changes in temperature, prolonged exposure to UV rays, as well as exposure to chemicals, may also cause tyres to crack.
Meanwhile, the rubber material of car tyres may bulge due to impact. Over- or under-inflating may also cause cracking or bulging.
Depending on the severity of the damage, you may either have to repair or replace cracked or bulging tyres. As always, if you aren’t sure how to assess the condition of your tyres or how to replace them, go to a professional mechanic for help.
Squealing Around Corners
When you hear a squealing noise from your car, you might immediately assume that something is wrong with the brakes. It’s a logical assumption, of course, but it might not be the only cause.
For example, under-inflated tyres may also make squealing noises. This is because underinflated tyres are deformed around the wheel, which can then slip and squeak. Other tyre-related causes of squealing noises from your car include worn treads and misalignment.
Every part of your car is important for its smooth and safe operation. That being said, there are parts like wheels and tyres that require more attention simply because they perform bigger roles. Hopefully, this quick list can help you identify wheel and tyre problems so you can address them ASAP and keep your drives safe.