Of all automotive parts, your vehicle’s tires are among the most critical. They influence your safety on the road. Most people realize they should periodically check their tires to make sure they are not excessively worn, or underinflated. But many drivers remain unfamiliar with – and thus unable to recognize – signs that suggest treadwear is due to other problems.

In this article, we’ll provide an insider’s glimpse at your car’s tires. Aside from a brief explanation, we’ll skip the technical details behind their design, and instead focus on their practical usage. You’ll learn when to have them rotated and replaced, as well as how to identify wear patterns, and what they imply about your vehicle. We’ll also describe some of the reasons tires fail.

What Are They Made From?

The simple answer is rubber. The treads and sidewall are composed of a blend of natural and artificial rubbers that provide the right combination of strength and elasticity. However, there is much more under the surface. There are steel belts for reinforcement; steel beads for additional stability; and polyester cap flies to help keep the other components in place.

Not every tire is made with the same objectives in mind. They are designed to provide drivers with an appropriate mix of traction, ride quality, and handling given their needs. Some are designed for all-weather driving while others are made for winter driving.

When Should They Be Replaced?

The most widely-accepted answer is to replace your tires when the tread depth wears down to 2/32″. You can measure this depth by sticking a penny upside down into the grooves. If you are able to see the top of Lincoln’s head, the treads are worn and replacements are necessary.

The problem with this litmus test is that many drivers should install replacements when the tread depth reaches 4/32″. This is especially true for those who drive in wet conditions.

When Should I Rotate Them?

Regular tire rotations are more important than most people realize. On front-wheel drive vehicles, the treads in the front wear much faster than the treads in the rear. Why? Because those in front are burdened with the task of actually driving your car. More pressure is exerted upon them when you accelerate, steer, and brake. It’s not uncommon for rear tires to last 60,000 miles while those in front need to be replaced after 30,000 miles.

By rotating them, you’ll spread the wear evenly across the entire set. Because the treads will wear down at the same rate, you can replace the set of four rather than replacing them in pairs.

What Type Of Wear Patterns Form?

The manner in which your treads wear might indicate specific problems. Learn to recognize the patterns so you can address them before installing a set of replacements. For example, if you see premature wear in the center of the tire, there is likely too much air pressure in it. If you notice wear on both sides, but not the center, your tire is underinflated.

Other patterns suggest problems in the suspension system, or alignment. For instance, a feathered pattern on one side of the tire implies the toe-in setting is incorrect. A cupped pattern might be due to worn shocks, ball joints, bushings, and other components of your vehicle’s suspension. If you install replacements without resolving these issues, they will wear prematurely.

Why Do They Fail On The Road?

Your tires can blow out for several reasons. For example, if they are underinflated, they might generate too much heat. This increases the likelihood of a rupture due to road debris. Overinflation, too, can cause a blowout since excessive air pressure in the tire will make it more susceptible to damage. Overloading your car can also cause a blowout if the distributed weight across the set exceeds their load capacity.

The most common problems drivers experience with their treads is premature wear due to insufficient air pressure and front-end misalignments. Check your tires every few weeks. Also, get into the habit of rotating them on a regular basis to help prolong the life of the treads.

Author Bio: Find the best deals from Tire Team on Discount Firestone Tires at Tireteam.com

Category: Automotive
Keywords: car tires, understanding your car\’s tires, understanding cars, your tires