5 Tyre Problems You Can Spot Before They Leave You Stranded

Most tyre problems don't appear out of nowhere.

A slow leak can start days before a tyre goes flat.

Uneven wear can develop for weeks before you notice it.

A small cut or bulge can become a much bigger problem when the tyre is under load.

The good news is that you can spot many tyre problems before they leave you stuck on the side of the road.

You don't need to be a tyre expert.

A few minutes of checking your tyres regularly can help you identify signs that need attention.

Here are five problems worth looking for.

1. One Tyre Keeps Losing Pressure

If you keep putting air into the same tyre, don't ignore it.

A tyre that repeatedly loses pressure may have a slow puncture, leaking valve or another problem affecting the tyre and wheel.

You might notice that one tyre is noticeably lower than the others every few days.

Simply inflating it again doesn't fix the cause.

A slow leak can eventually become a flat tyre, particularly if the object causing the puncture moves or the damage gets worse.

If one tyre keeps losing pressure, have it inspected.

2. Uneven Tread Wear

Look across the surface of your tyres.

Does one part of the tread look more worn than another?

Uneven wear can be caused by several things, including:

• Incorrect tyre pressure
• Wheel alignment
• Suspension wear
• Steering components
• Normal differences in front and rear tyre wear

Don't assume the tyre itself is the problem.

If the underlying cause isn't fixed, a replacement tyre can start wearing unevenly as well.

3. Cracks or Bulges in the Sidewall

The sidewall is the part of the tyre you can see between the wheel and tread.

Take a look at it regularly.

Cracks, cuts or bulges shouldn't be ignored.

A bulge can indicate damage to the tyre's internal structure.

This can happen after hitting a pothole or kerb.

If you see a noticeable bulge or serious damage, don't keep driving on the tyre and hope it improves.

Have it inspected by a tyre professional.

4. Your Tread Is Getting Low

Tyre tread provides grip between your vehicle and the road.

As the tread wears down, the tyre has less ability to move water away from the contact area.

Look at the tread regularly and check whether it is approaching the legal minimum.

Don't wait until the tyre looks completely smooth before replacing it.

If you're unsure about the remaining tread, have it measured.

A tyre specialist can tell you how much usable tread remains and whether replacement is needed.

5. Your Car Has Started Pulling or Vibrating

Sometimes the tyre problem isn't obvious when you look at it.

The car itself can give you a clue.

If the vehicle suddenly pulls to one side, the steering wheel vibrates or the car feels different at certain speeds, your tyres or wheels may need attention.

Possible causes include:

• Wheel alignment
• Wheel imbalance
• Uneven tyre wear
• Tyre damage
• Suspension problems

Don't automatically assume you need new tyres.

The right approach is to find out what's causing the change.

Check Your Tyres Before a Long Drive

A quick tyre check is particularly important before a road trip.

Look at all four tyres and check:

• Pressure
• Tread
• Sidewalls
• Visible damage
• Uneven wear

If your vehicle has a spare tyre, check that as well.

A spare that's flat or damaged won't be much help if you get a puncture hundreds of kilometres from home.

Potholes Can Create Problems You Don't See Immediately

A hard pothole impact can damage the tyre, wheel or suspension.

Sometimes you'll notice the problem immediately.

Other times, the first sign appears later.

You may notice:

• A slow pressure loss
• A vibration
• Pulling to one side
• Uneven wear
• A new noise

If your car feels different after hitting a pothole, it's worth having it checked.

Correct Tyre Pressure Matters

Keeping your tyres at the correct pressure helps them perform as intended.

Incorrect pressure can affect:

• Handling
• Braking
• Fuel consumption
• Tyre wear

Check your tyre pressure regularly when the tyres are cold.

Use the pressure recommended by your vehicle manufacturer.

The maximum pressure printed on the tyre sidewall isn't the normal setting for your vehicle.

Tyre Age Matters Too

Tyres don't only wear because of kilometres.

They also age.

Rubber can deteriorate over time, particularly when tyres are exposed to heat, sunlight and other environmental conditions.

If a vehicle isn't driven often, don't assume the tyres are automatically fine because they have plenty of tread.

Check their condition and age as part of your regular maintenance.

What Should You Do If You Find a Problem?

Don't guess.

If you notice a tyre losing pressure, unusual wear, sidewall damage or a change in handling, have the vehicle inspected.

The problem may be simple.

It may require a tyre replacement.

Or it may be caused by alignment, wheels, suspension or another component.

Finding the cause first helps you avoid paying for the wrong repair.

Questions Drivers Ask Us

Q- How often should I check my tyres?

A- Check them regularly and before long trips. Regular checks make it easier to spot pressure loss and changes in condition.

Q- Is a small tyre bulge safe to drive on?

A- A bulge can indicate internal tyre damage and should be inspected promptly.

Q- Why does one tyre keep losing air?

A- A slow puncture, valve problem or damage to the tyre or wheel can cause repeated pressure loss.

Q- Can uneven tyre wear be fixed?

A- Sometimes. The solution depends on what's causing the wear. Alignment, pressure, suspension or other issues may need attention.

Q- Can a tyre look fine but still have a problem?

A- Yes. Slow punctures and internal damage aren't always obvious from a visual inspection.

A Few Minutes Can Save You a Lot of Trouble

Your tyres usually give you clues before they become a serious problem.

Check the pressure, look at the tread and sidewalls, and pay attention to changes in how the car drives.

If you've noticed a tyre problem or simply aren't sure whether your tyres are still in good condition, visit Goodyear Autocare Blacktown. We'll check your tyres, explain what we find in plain English and only recommend the work your car actually needs.