Tire Repair: Beware Of These Common Tire Issues | Gretna, LA

Most people usually imagine drunk driving, bad weather conditions, and careless drivers when it comes to automobile accidents. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) estimates around 11,000 car crashes yearly are caused by tire failure. In 2019, tire-related crashes resulted in approximately 664 fatalities.

While many people worry about the fuel consumption of their cars, the tires are responsible for the safety of everyone riding in it. They carry the weight of the vehicle and its occupants and must withstand all weather and road conditions. Yet, many people neglect their tires until something is wrong, and they need to find a tire repair service.

As a responsible driver in Gretna, LA, you’ll want to know about potential tire problems before they happen. Read on to learn about the most common tire problems and their solutions.

Flat Tires

A flat tire can be caused by a nail or screw puncturing the tire. Air seeping through leaks around the rim or old and dry rubber can cause it to go flat for no reason. Whatever the cause, you will need to visit a tire repair shop. If there is an air leak, a mechanic must determine if the tire can be repaired.

A puncture in the tread can be plugged or patched if the hole isn’t too big. But if a nail is stuck in the sidewalls or shoulder, you must replace the tire. The sidewall is under extreme pressure, and a patch or plug could be loose. You also risk a tire blowout if you try to repair a sidewall or shoulder puncture.

Vibrations

Imbalanced tires can cause the steering wheel to vibrate when driving at high speeds. Just one tire that has uneven wear or is under-inflated can cause the whole weight to shift and can lead to vibrations. Make sure that the tires all have enough air pressure.

If that doesn’t help, a tire repair technician will start by checking which tire is responsible for the shift. Uneven wear in tires can sometimes be fixed by simply rotating the tires. Sometimes alignment or suspension issues and damaged parts can also cause vibrations.

Tread Wear

Tires are not meant to last forever and will show signs of wear and tear after a while. As tires age, they won’t be able to grip the road surface, and bald tires are at a higher risk of blowing out.

Regularly check the tread level and replace the tires before reaching the minimum legal tread limit. If you feel your tires are wearing out too fast, you should seek tire repair services, as other factors could be involved.

Uneven Wear

If the tires are perfectly aligned and inflated, they should wear out evenly. Uneven wear usually indicates a more severe problem.

Tires that show more wear on the center are usually over-inflated. Over-inflated tires wear out much faster and cannot maintain a grip on the road. Simply letting out air will often do the trick.

Under-inflated tires will show more wear on the outside. In the United States, every one in four cars has at least one under-inflated tire. Driving with under-inflated tires can be dangerous, making it more challenging to steer and control a vehicle. Under-inflated tires are also at a higher risk for punctures. Make sure the tires are always inflated to the recommended pressure.

As for tires that show increased wear only on one side, this is most likely caused by misalignment. Misalignment is usually caused by suspension problems and can lead to severe damage and expensive tire repairs if not corrected early on. It also causes your tires to wear out faster.

Bulges and Cracks

Hitting the curb or running over potholes and bumps can cause tires to bulge like a pimple. A bulge weakens the tire’s structure and can cause it to blow.

Cracks often indicate that the tires have reached the end of their lifespan. But exposure to UV rays, extreme temperatures, and negligence can also cause the tires to deteriorate faster and crack. Over and under-inflated tires are more likely to crack or bulge during impact.

You should visit a tire repair shop when you see cracks in your tires. You want to know if they can be fixed and how soon you will need to exchange the tires. Because bulges damage a tire’s structure; thus, you will need to replace the affected tires.

Emergency Brake Damage

When you hit the emergency brake, you risk wearing out one particular spot on the tires. This can lead to deflation and cause you to lose control of your car if not taken care of promptly. You should check your tires every time you make an emergency stop or have a tire repair technician assess any further damage.

Driving at High Speed

If you often drive on high-speed freeways, keep a close eye on the tires. Driving at high speeds makes it harder to avoid potholes, and tires tend to overheat. You might need to change the tires more often or consult a tire repair specialist for tires better suited for high-speed driving.

Call Mr. Mechanic Auto Care for All Your Car Repairs

You can prevent some of these problems with a bit of care and attention. If you live in Gretna, LA, and have noticed any of these tire problems, Mr. Mechanic Auto Care offers you the necessary solutions. We offer tire repair, engine work, and brake repairs and carry a wide assortment of auto spares. At Mr. Mechanic Auto Care, our mechanics are trained and licensed, and we take pride in providing quality services to all our clients in Gretna, LA. Call us today to book an appointment, and we can guarantee that you will be satisfied with our work.

Photo by BELL KA PANG at Shutterstock