Leave Common Tire Problems Behind This Fall

Nothing can take the air out of a autumn drive faster than a flat or bald tire.

Tire health helps keeps your vehicle from swerving or sliding on slick October roads. Channels in tire tread move rain away from the tire to maintain better contact with asphalt. 

Visit your service advisor to make sure your tires are fit for stormy roads. Be aware of tire conditions that signal it’s time to get a tire health inspection.

Tire bulges out and sidewall touches the ground. Have your tire checked for a slow leak and air pressure. Tires naturally lose some air pressure every month and need to be checked regularly. Or something may have punctured the tire, and it needs to be repaired.

• Uneven wear on both outer edges of tire tread. The tire may be overinflated. Have your service advisor check PSI settings to make sure it meets manufacturer recommendations.
• Uneven wear in center of tire tread.  May be caused by too much inflation. Left unattended the problem will ruin the tire.
• Feathered wear pattern on outer portions of the tire tread. Get an alignment check promptly before tread depth decreases so much it requires a tire replacement.
• Heavy tread wear on either the outside edge of the tire. The culprit my be aggressive driving through corners. Let your family know speeding around corners decreases tire life and increases cost of ownership.
• Scallop-shaped marks on the tire edge. The problem is common for tires which have not been rotated. Also, ask your advisor to check tire balance.

Left unattended, tire tread problems can turn into expensive tire replacement. Properly maintained tires and correct alignment can extend the life of your vehicle tire and keep it performing as designed on variable road conditions.