Some Common Tyre Problems and Their Remedies

Tyres are an important component of a car. They play a big part in enabling the
vehicle to move. Just like many other car parts, tyres require periodic
maintenance. If any tyre has a problem, it should be fixed immediately. If tyres
are not properly maintained, then motorists are likely to experience breakdowns
while on the road.

Here is a look at some common tyre problems and their remedies:

 Car tyre vibrations

These vibrations are commonly caused by an imbalanced tyre and wheel

assembly, which usually generates a vibration that becomes increasingly worse as
the vehicle accelerates. However, there may be other reasons behind the
problem, including: loose or damaged wheel bearings and radial and vertical run
out of the car wheel. When you want to correct tyre vibration problems, start by
checking missing weights, or if mud attached to the back side of the rim or tread
could be causing an imbalance. If you notice a run out on your tyres, you may
need to reposition the tyre on the rim.

 Car tyres cupping

Also known as scalloping, this is a tyre problem that results from bad car shock
absorbers, poor tyre alignment, low-quality tyres and tyres bouncing hard on
surfaces such as potholes and bumps when on the road. It makes the tyre to be
uneven on its surface. This could lead to uncomfortable travel. If you notice
cuppings on your tyres, you will need to have your wheels realigned. Also,
consider having repairs to your shock absorbers and struts. Proper handling of
your car while driving on rough surfaces will help avoid cupping.

 Car tyres cracking

Cracking is caused by impacts on the car tyres while driving. Such impacts are as a
result of the car tyre hitting potholes and kerbs. When you diagnose cracking and
bulging on your car tyres, you should consider replacing the tyre. Proper
infiltration should be done to the car tyres to avoid exposing your cars to cracks
and bulging.
 Alignment issues

Many tyre problems are related to alignment issues. Without proper alignment,
the car would be making slight sideward movements. The car pulling to one side
of the road is also a common characteristic of alignment issues. To correct this
you need to align your tyres and wheels to back position. This should be done at a
local auto service shop.

Preventative maintenance of car tyres is important. Periodic checking of your

tyres would ensure a fully functioning tyre and wheel system, but also increase
the longevity of your tyres. No one likes experiencing car breakdowns while
travelling, so you should keep your tyres working in tiptop shape at all times. For
more information or advice, contact a local car service.

Apart From these issues there are some other common problems associated
with Tyres as listed below:

 Cracking and Bulging

The Diagnosis: This usually comes from hitting a pothole, curb, or debris. Under-
inflation and over-inflation put tires at a greater risk of damage from impacts.
Large cracks in the sidewall that runs along the rim are either impact-related or
caused by chronic under-inflation. Numerous small cracks in the sidewall or tread
blocks come from exposure to the elements and age. Rubber, much like your
leather interior needs treating to prevent cracking, by using a tire and rubber
protectant. Bulging is what looks like a pimple in the tire, most often in its
sidewall. It happens when there's an impact that causes internal damage, but the
damage doesn't show up until weeks or months later. With bulging, you're
looking at buying a replacement and the tire should be removed from service,
regardless of the cost. Eventually, it will fail.
 Cupping (Also Called Scalloping)

The Diagnosis: It happens when worn or damaged suspension components cause

the tire to bounce as it travels, coming down harder on some spots of the tire
than others. Bad shock absorbers are the usual cause, though anything that
connects the wheel to the rest of the car could be a culprit. Be careful with your
diagnosis, though. Even tire shops sometimes incorrectly identify feathering or
heel-toe wear as cupping. A wheel that is out of balance may also cause cupping
or bald spots to form, though there will be fewer hills and valleys than you'd see
with cupping caused by a failed shock absorber.

 Heel-Toe

It Looks Like: Feathering, only the ramps run front-to-back along the tire rather
than side-to-side. The leading edge of the tread blocks will be worn smooth while
the trailing edge will be sharp. The Diagnosis: "[It's] definitely one of the most
common conditions we see," "Because it's so common, a lot of people think it's
normal." Heel-toe wear is typically a symptom of insufficient tire rotation
intervals. So check your car's maintenance schedule and make sure you keep up.
Misalignment or worn or damaged suspension bushings, ball joints, and wheel
bearings can also cause heel-toe wear.
 Feathering

Feathered tread blocks are shaped like a series of ramps in a directional wear
pattern that goes sideways across the tire. The lower edges of the ramps are
rounded while the higher edges are sharp. If you can't tell by looking, run your
hands across the tread blocks. The Diagnosis: Most often, feathering means the
car's toe setting (a measure of the car's alignment) is off. If the toe setting is
correct, a worn or damaged suspension bushing could be causing the car's
alignment to shift as you drive. Check for worn or damaged ball joints and wheel
bearings as well.

Name - Anuj Sharma

Roll number - 2K16/EC/022
PT - 409