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Tag: tires

How to Tell if Your Suspension Is Causing Uneven Tire Wear

November 4, 2024 / / Comments Off on How to Tell if Your Suspension Is Causing Uneven Tire Wear

Uneven tire wear can sneak up on you like a thief in the night. However, when you notice your tires looking more worn on one side than the other does, it might be time to take a closer look at your vehicle’s suspension system. Proper alignment and functioning suspension are vital for the longevity of your tires and your safety on the road. This month’s blog will show you how to identify if your suspension is the culprit behind uneven tire wear.

Check Your Tire Patterns

One of the first things you should do is inspect the tread patterns on your tires. If you notice that the inner or outer edges of your tires are significantly more worn than the center, it’s a clear sign something’s off. This wear pattern often indicates misalignment, which can stem from issues in your suspension. Some cars like Tesla, however, always require a professional alignment service.

Related: Learn more about why you should always avoid DIY Tesla alignment here.

Listen for Unusual Noises

Strange sounds can be an early warning system for your vehicle. If you hear clunking, rattling, or squeaking noises, especially when going over bumps, it might be time to investigate your suspension. These noises can indicate worn-out components like bushings or shock absorbers, which can lead to uneven tire wear if not addressed promptly.

Feel for Uneven Handling

Your car should handle smoothly and predictably. If you find yourself struggling to keep your vehicle straight or if it drifts to one side, this could signal suspension problems. Poor handling can cause your tires to wear unevenly due to the excessive stress placed on them. If you suspect that your handling issues are related to other engine problems, you may also want to check out our article on whether you can drive with bad piston rings here.

Observe Your Tire Pressure

Maintaining proper tire pressure is crucial for even tire wear. Low pressure can exacerbate the effects of suspension issues. Check your tire pressure regularly and ensure it matches the manufacturer’s recommendations. Consistent under-inflation can lead to quicker wear and tear on the edges of your tires, which can be preventable with regular car care.

If You Suspect Issues, Book an Inspection with Mike’s Brake & Alignment Shop

Uneven tire wear can lead to more severe issues down the line, including safety risks and costly repairs. Visit us today for a thorough inspection, and drive with confidence knowing your vehicle is in tip-top shape. Reach out to us at (817) 834-2725 or visit mikesautospa.com to schedule an appointment. We look forward to serving you!

Should I Plug or Patch My Tire?

January 21, 2022 / / 0 Comments

One of the most annoying things to happen on the road is when you accidently run over a nail and it punctures your tire. Most drivers have experienced this and a deflating tire is never good. Luckily, plugging or patching the hole will seal the air leak and allow you to drive safely again. Continue reading to learn more about their differences and whether or not they are long-term solutions.

Plugging vs Patching

A tire plug is a malleable rubber that is inserted into the puncture and seals the tire from the inside. On the other hand, a patch is a more labor-intensive process that requires you to detach the tire from the rim and apply the patch to the inside. A patch is considered a stronger repair but can be very difficult and tedious for the unexperienced to DIY.

Both can be used for small punctures caused by running over nails or other objects. However, they are still considered temporary fixes and are meant to keep your tire running until you’re able to get it replaced or inspected by a professional. A plugged tire can’t handle the same stress and strain as a new tire because there’s still a structural failure. If you spend a lot of time on the highway, plugs and patches are not quite long-term solutions.

Is My Tire Non-Repairable?

Plugs and patches are good inexpensive options but whether or not your tire is repairable depends on the location of the puncture. A non-repairable tire means the puncture is located outside of the repair area – which is limited to the middle or the “crown” of the tire. This is the center of the tread and is approximately 1 to 1.5 inches in from each shoulder. For most tires, this can also be identified by the first major groove on both shoulders.

If your puncture is located on the sidewall or anywhere outside of the repair area, you must replace it immediately. Other indicators that warrant a new tire include:

  • Damage in a previously repaired area.
  • Large holes more than ¼ inches in diameter.
  • Severe damage such as tread separation or large gashes.

Conclusion

Repairing your tire with a plug or patch is mostly a temporary fix. Your safety comes first and it’s much better to invest in a replacement than risk more damage or the loss of control while driving. For all of your tire and automotive needs, put your trust in Mike’s Brake & Alignment Shop for a devoted service. Visit our auto shop in Fort Worth, TX and our experts will assess the damage and recommend the best course of action.

Identifying Tire Damage

May 25, 2021 / / 0 Comments

Maintaining your tires is crucial for your vehicle and safety. Sometimes they can be damaged for a variety of reasons and many drivers don’t notice it until they start feeling the symptoms of a deflating or unaligned tire. It’s important to regularly inspect your tires so that you can catch any potential problems early on, especially before and after a long trip or after driving on a rough road. In this month’s blog, we will discuss how to identify tire damage and what they mean.

Punctures and Cuts

Punctures and cuts are most commonly caused by running over nails or glass on the road. This pierces the tire and if the puncture is deep enough, your tire may begin to lose tire pressure and slowly deflate. Cuts can also come from driving on a bad or rough road conditions. They can be hard to notice until you start feeling the consequences of your deflating tire while driving. If this happens to you, the puncture or cut must be patched immediately.

Cracking and Bulging

Cracks and bulges are usually caused by hitting curbs or running over potholes and debris. Cracks are most noticeable along your tire’s sidewall and can also be caused by underinflating your tires. If you notice numerous smaller cracks, this is usually due to old age and wear and tear from the elements. Bulges, or impact breaks, are caused by running over curbs at excessive speed levels. This impact causes internal damage and sometimes the bulge does not begin to appear until weeks later. Bulges should not be ignored and you should get your tire replaced as soon as possible. If left alone, it can lead to tire failure and safety issues.

Cupping

Cupping, also known as scalloping, looks like a waving pattern of lumps or hills. If you notice this on your tires, the culprit may be due to damaged suspension components. This causes the tires to bounce while you’re driving and come down harder on some spots than others. Having bad shock absorbers may also be the issue.

Flat Spots

A flat spot is a single spot on your tire that is very noticeably more worn down than other areas. Often vehicles that have been parked in one spot for a very long time will experience flat spots at the bottom of their tires. Another cause would be skidding on the road after slamming your brakes.

Worn Down Sides

  • Center Wear: When your tire is only worn straight down the middle. This is due to your tire being overinflated and only allowing the center to come into contact with the road.
  • Outer-Edge Wear: When only the outside edges of your tire are worn down and not the middle. This is the inverse of center wear and is due to the tire being underinflated. This means there is too little pressure and the tire is forced to flex.
  • One-sided Wear: When only one side of your tire is worn down. This is most likely due to it being unaligned and making your vehicle lean too much on one side. 

Conclusion

If you notice any wear and tear on your tires, especially anything major, it’s best to let a professional handle it. For all of your tire patching and replacement needs, come to Mike’s Brake & Alignment Shop. We specialize in servicing tires, brakes, steering and suspension, and more! Our technicians are ASE certified with many years of experience. To learn more about our services, please visit our website or call us at (817) 834-2725.

Basic Tire Maintenance Every Driver Should Know

August 31, 2019 / / 0 Comments

As the only thing between your car and the road, the tires carry quite a bit of pressure. With the amount of rotations they go through to the amount of air normally lost due to how often you drive, a lot can happen to cause excessive wear and tear on your tires. Keep reading to learn more about three of the basic tire maintenance steps every driver should know.

Checking the tire pressure.
Checking the tire pressure.

Check Tire Pressure

To ensure your gas mileage stays in a healthy range and you remain safe on the road, always check and fill your tire pressure. A car’s tires naturally lose about 1-2 psi every month which means continued neglect will result in a dangerous blow-out. Don’t risk your safety and the safety of others while on the road and check your tire pressure periodically.

Rotate Your Tires

Most mechanics recommend rotating your tires every 5-7,000 miles. This is due to the amount of wear most front wheel drive cars experience on their tires. By rotating your front tires to the rear and vice versa you will ensure an even better tread wear on your vehicle. Periodically rotating your tires will also allow you to maintain a good gas mileage. Not taking proper care of your vehicle’s tires will drastically reduce the gas mileage and performance of your car.

Mechanic rotating a car's tires.
Mechanic rotating a car’s tires.

Perform a Visual Inspection

Visual inspections of your tires are a handy way to ensure the tread is still within safety limits. While it is never a good sign that you can tell your tires are going flat, simply taking the time to inspect them will allow you to address any issues. Performing a visual inspection of your tires is an excellent way to spot any cuts or bulges on them.

Thoughts

From simply checking the tire pressure to using proper tire rotation schedules and even visual inspections, you will be able to keep a proper eye on your tire’s wear and tear. Be sure to call on the team at Mike’s Brake & Alignment Shop for all of your vehicle needs. Call us today to schedule an exceptional tire service!

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