Most of us don’t give a second thought to our tires when we get behind the wheel of our car. However, your tires are a vital component of your overall ability to get from one place to the next place safely. Here are four common tire problems that you should work to prevent with your vehicle.
Uneven Wear Patterns
It’s no surprise to anyone that the tread on your tires will wear down with regular use. However, when your tires start to wear down unevenly, it could be a sign of something more serious. The most common causes are over-inflation, under-inflation, vehicle body misalignment, or a bent wheel. When your tread is wearing unevenly, it can increase your risk of a blown out tire. You can prevent uneven wear by having your car aligned, avoiding curbs and potholes, and checking your tire pressure.
Tires Wearing Faster Than Normal
If you find that your Nissan tires are wearing much faster than they’re supposed to according the manufacturer’s guarantee, then you may need to assess the air pressure in your tires. Tires that are under-inflated or over-inflated can create faster wearing of the tire tread. Do yourself a favor and check your tire pressure regularly to prevent this problem from happening.
Cracks in the Sidewall
The flat sides of your tire, also known as the sidewall, can start to crack under stress conditions. Things like leaving your vehicle exposed to heat for long periods and using harsh chemical cleaners can cause these stress cracks to happen. To prevent this problem, use gentle cleaners and always try to park your vehicle in your garage or a shaded area, especially if it’s going to be in the same spot for a while.
Cupping at the Edge
Cupping is a condition when the tread of your tire is worn out unevenly, usually in a scalloped pattern. This is an issue caused by suspension components that are broken or worn out. Various components can be responsible for this condition, but the most common is bad shock absorbers. By having your suspension components checked regularly, you can help to prevent cupping from occurring on your vehicle. If you do notice patchy wear or odd noises coming from the tires, just take your car in and have them look it over. This is usually an easy fix.
Dealing with tire problems isn’t something too many of us want to do, but he problems above can all be prevented with the proper steps. By following the prevention techniques mentioned throughout this article, you can greatly decrease your risk of dealing with tire problems in the future.
Addy Reeds is a freelance writer from Eugene, Oregon. She discovered her passion for journalism while attending the University of Oregon. Follow her on Twitter and Facebook: @addyreeds1; https://www.facebook.com/addy.reeds
