Listed below are expert tips on how to tell if your tyres are worn and need immediate replacement. These warning signs will help you decide when to drive your car to a reliable car mechanic in Sydney.
- Appearance of Bubbles and Bulges
The presence of bulges in your tyre indicates that the internal frame has been badly damaged, thus allowing the air pressure to reach the outer layers of your tyre. Tyres with sidewall bulges and bubbles are recommended to be replaced right away, even when the tread depth is still within the acceptable range.
- Cuts and Cracks on the Sidewall
Ageing tyre is the most common cause of sidewall cracking. All tyres drive through harsh conditions resulting in accelerated wear and tear. Cracking may also occur in tyres that are not in use or those stored in a place where cracking may occur. Cracks on sidewalls are caused by various factors, including sunlight, high temperature, road surfactants, and exposure to ozone. Cracks on the other hand are caused by external force such as being hit by a rock or sharp object.
- Damaged Valve Caps
If the cap can’t be tightened enough, it will loosen over time. On the other hand, if it’s too tight, the thread on the stem may become stripped. Valve caps that are damaged can lead air and permit dirt, moisture, and external debris to enter the tyre.
- Embedded Nails or Stones
If an object is lodged in the tyre, you need to replace the tyre right away. Even if the hole isn’t causing any type of leak, neglecting to replace your tyre can lead to more problems. For instance, moisture can leak into the tyres and cause the steel parts to rust at an accelerated rate. Additionally, lodged items such as nails or stones can weaken the tyre and lead to dangerous blowouts, thus immediate replacement is necessary.
- Tread Wear
Tyre tread depth is measured in 32nds of an inch. New tyres feature between 9/32” and 11/32” of tread material. By rule, a tyre is considered unsafe to drive when it is worn down to 2/32”. You can identify the tread depth to replace tyres by using the penny test method or the use of a tread depth gauge. The penny test is accurate and reliable in determining the tread depth of tyres.
- Vibrations
Tyres worn unevenly will cause vibrations in the steering wheel when you are on the road. The presence of vibration may also be due to poor wheel alignment issues. If you are unsure as to the cause of vibration, it’s best to seek the expertise of an auto mechanic in Sydney.
- Visible Damage
Abnormal wear patterns on tyres may indicate a few issues, including wheel misalignment, improper inflation pressure, need for tyre rotation, and in worse cases, all of the above.
Reminders When Choosing New Tyres for Replacement
Selecting a tyre can be a tedious process. There are a few things that you need to evaluate, including driving habits, the common types of terrain you drive on, and seasons you will be driving your car in. By determining your needs based on these criteria, it will become easier to choose tyres for your car. Additionally, you also need to assess how well you feel your current tyres in terms of overall handling, noise, longevity, ride, and many more. Once you have looked into each of these factors, you may then proceed to choose a car tyre that fits your needs.
Main Tyre Categories:
- All-Season Tyre
Versatile tyre type for a variety of conditions, including driving on wet roads and snow. They can be used in the summertime, too.
- All-Terrain Tyre
An all-terrain tyre is the most versatile on the market. It features superb traction on any type of road, from city streets, highways, to backroads. All-terrain tyres are used mostly for trucks and SUVs.
- All-Weather Tyre
As the name implies, they can be used all year round and offer advanced winter performance.
- Highway or Touring Tyre
This tyre type is best for trucks and passenger cars that commonly drive on paved roads. A highway or touring tyre is designed to provide excellent mileage and a smooth ride that last for a long time.
- Mud Terrain Tyre
This type is specially designed to provide optimum traction in off-road conditions. Mud terrain cars are perfect for rougher and noisier rides and usually reduce total gas mileage.
- Run Flat Tyre
A run flat tyre is designed to drive a short distance after tyre pressure loss conditions. Run flat tyres are commonly seen in luxury cars, SUVs, and CUVs.
- Snow or Winter Tyre
Designed for winter use, flexible in freezing conditions, with special treads that ensure maximum traction and safety on snowy and slippery roads.
- Sports Tyre
This tyre is specifically built to provide vehicles with great balance of style and overall performance. A sports tyre has excellent handling, smooth and quiet rides, with wider and low profiles for on-pavement driving.
If you need immediate tyre replacement in Sydney, you can always trust HP Automotive to deliver efficient and cost-effective tyre replacement services. If you have additional enquiries or schedule an appointment, call our direct line on +61 2 9979 8371 today.