Car Tires for a Safe Drive

How Do I Know When To Get My Car Tires Serviced at Professional Automotive Repair?

1. A smooth, level line across the bead every 1-12" around the circumference of the tire indicates tires that are legally worn out.
2. Tread worn more to the middle indicates tires that have been over-inflated. Always use a pressure gauge, like a portable air compressor for car tires, to ensure proper inflation levels .
3. Tread worn on both edges of the tire indicates tires that have been under-inflated. Check your tire pressure monthly.
4. Used car tires that are worn more on one edge than another indicate an improper alignment and may also point to worn suspension components.
5. Tread feathered across the width of the tire also indicates alignment problems and/or suspension component wear.
6. Cupping or regularly spaced depressions around the circumference of the tire, usually more pronounced on the edges, indicate tires that are out of balance and/or worn shocks and/or struts.
7. A flat spot on one part of the tire indicates where a wheel is locked during a skid. This will cause a vibration, which can only be cured by replacing the tire.
8. Feathering wear around the circumference of the tire can be best checked by touch rather than sight. Rub your hand around the tire in one direction and then the other. One will feel like you are sliding your hand down tiled steps; the other will feel bumpy like you are rubbing up tiled steps. This also indicates an alignment issue and/or suspension component wear