5 Tips For Drivers That Warn Your Tyres Are Shot

Feb 2014

Ever been for a long run and your feet feel tired and aching? Well your car tyres feel the same every time you drive, and they take a much bigger beating.
You really do not want your tyres to puncture or burst just because they have aged and are worn or just in bad shape.
Most times a mechanic will check your tyres for you however there are definitely a few things you can do yourself to make sure your tyres remain in good shape.
Same as you check yourself in the mirror in the morning before you go out – so your vehicles tyres need to be checked daily.
1.       Do a visual on your tyre tread!
No tread, can result in an expensive exercise if left alone.  You cannot see these measurements easily, but if it looks worn, it usually is.
The minimum tread on your tyres is 1.6 mm in depth.  That’s for normal conditions, but if you ride in the rain a lot it should be double that, so 3.2 mm .
A gauge will cost you about R 150.00 to measure the tread depth the way the professionals do, however there is a trick for you to know – and this is a freebie.
Take an R 2 coin insert it head down into the tread. If the Kudu’s horns show, you don’t have enough tread. Change your tyres immediately.

2.       The Tread Wear Indicator Bar 

If there is any evidence of flat rubber bars running across the tread – then this is an indication that your tyres are shot.  Get them replaced immediately.
These bars, invisible or barely visible when the tyres are new, gradually begin to appear as the tread wears down.  This is a great new feature in modern day tyres.
3.       Cracks in the Sidewall of your Tyre or Weathered looking Sidewalls
Sometimes the sidewall shows damage and wear and tear but the tread still seems fine.
This is very easy to visually see and to do a visual check of any possible sidewall problems. You’re your eyes open for cuts or slices in the sidewall or any grooves that are
distinct enough to the naked eye. Your tyre may have developed a leak. Avoid this at all costs as it could result in a blowout.
4.       Bulges and Blisters on the Tyre
If you see a bulge sticking out the side or what looks like a blister – well it’s like a blood blister – when it pops it’s a mess – except this could be a dangerous mess.
Change the tyre now.
5.       Vibration when you drive.
Bad roads can lead to bad vibrations, but growing vibrations or those that suddenly appear are no good.
So what could be the reasons?
Wheel alignment out
Wheels unbalanced
Shock absorber failure
Tyre internal damage
Stop your car.  Do a visual.  If you cannot see it, drive slowly to the first garage and get some help.  Or if you see the problem, change the car’s tyre.  If it goes away great, otherwise get to your nearest garage……slowly.