Your tyres are the only part of your
vehicle that constantly connects with the road, yet they’re often one of the
most ignored components when it comes to regular maintenance. Many drivers
assume that as long as the car is running smoothly, the tyres must be fine. But
tyre issues are often subtle in the beginning and, if left unchecked, can
become serious safety risks. Waiting until you experience a flat or a sudden
blowout on the motorway isn’t just inconvenient, it can be dangerous and
costly. The good news is that your tyres often show signs of wear or damage
before failure occurs. The key is knowing what to look for and responding early
rather than waiting for a breakdown to push you into action.
One of the most common and visible signs
that your tyres need attention is tread wear. The tread is what helps your
tyres grip the road, especially in wet or slippery conditions. Over time, the
tread naturally wears down, but the way it wears can also tell you a lot about
how your car is running. For example, if the wear is uneven across the tyre, or
if you notice bald spots, it could mean there’s an issue with alignment or
suspension. Most people don’t carry a tread gauge, but there’s a simple trick
you can use - the 20-cent coin test. Insert the coin into the tread, and if the
outer band is visible, your tread is likely too low. Legally in Australia, the
minimum tread depth is 1.5mm, but it’s safer to replace your tyres well before
reaching that limit, particularly if you often drive in wet or challenging
conditions.
Aside from tread depth, the overall
condition of the rubber itself plays a major role in tyre safety. Over time,
tyres can develop small cracks in the sidewalls or bulges that are often easy
to overlook. These can happen even if the tread appears fine. Exposure to UV
rays, changes in temperature, and general road stress can all contribute to the
rubber degrading. Cracks may look minor, but they can weaken the structure of
the tyre, increasing the risk of a rupture. Bulges are even more serious. They
suggest internal damage, often caused by hitting a pothole or a kerb. If you
notice any swelling or distortion on the side of your tyre, it’s best to stop
driving and have it inspected immediately.
Another warning sign many drivers
experience but dismiss is vibration while driving. While it’s true that some
vibration is normal, especially on uneven roads, excessive or unusual shaking,
particularly through the steering wheel or the floor of the vehicle, often
points to a problem. This could be due to uneven tyre wear, internal tyre
damage, or poor wheel balance. It might also indicate suspension issues or
misalignment. Ignoring it not only makes driving uncomfortable, but it can also
cause further wear and tear on your tyres and affect your vehicle’s overall
handling. If you’ve started to notice a change in how your car feels on the
road, especially at higher speeds, it’s worth having your tyres checked.
Strange noises are another clue that
something might be wrong. Squealing, thumping, or grinding sounds that weren’t
there before can point to issues with the tyres themselves. A squeal might
suggest the tread is too worn down to provide proper grip, especially when
turning. A rhythmic thump could mean a flat spot has formed due to hard braking
or long-term parking. A flapping or grinding sound might be a sign that the
tyre is already deflating or separating internally. These noises should never
be ignored, particularly if they appear suddenly. A professional inspection can
quickly determine the source and prevent further damage or risk.
Braking distance is something many people
don’t associate directly with tyre condition, but it’s closely linked. Worn
tyres can significantly reduce your car’s ability to stop quickly, particularly
in the rain. As the tread wears down, the tyre loses its ability to channel
water away from the surface, increasing the chance of hydroplaning. If you’ve
noticed your car taking longer to stop or sliding more often when braking, it’s
not just the brakes that need checking. Tyres with proper tread depth and condition
can greatly improve braking response and provide peace of mind in an emergency.
Age is another important factor, even if
the tyres look perfectly fine on the surface. Rubber degrades over time,
regardless of mileage. Most manufacturers recommend replacing tyres every five
to six years, even if they’re not visibly worn. You can check the age of your
tyre by looking at the DOT code on the sidewall. The last four digits indicate
the week and year of manufacture. For example, “2418” means the tyre was made
in the 24th week of 2018. If your tyres are older than five years, it’s best to
have them professionally inspected, especially before a long trip.
One more sign that often goes unnoticed is
the need to constantly top up tyre pressure. If you’re finding yourself
checking and adding air every few days or weeks, that’s not normal. Repeated
pressure loss can mean a slow puncture, a damaged valve stem, or a compromised
wheel rim. Even minor leaks, if left unresolved, can reduce fuel efficiency and
increase tyre wear. They can also lead to sudden deflation at high speeds.
Regular pressure checks are important, and if something seems off, it’s wise to
get to the bottom of it rather than keep delaying.
Recognising these signs early and acting on them not only helps you stay safe but also saves you from larger expenses later. Waiting until a tyre fails can lead to damage to your rims, suspension or worse, put you in a dangerous situation on the road. Staying proactive with tyre maintenance doesn’t have to mean spending your weekends in a workshop. Mobile fitting services now make it easy to get expert help at your home or office, allowing you to keep your tyres in top shape without rearranging your life.
