Perhaps you are aware of the crucial role of tires in the context of safe driving. Any specialist in the automotive field will confirm that depending on their condition, the driving experience can be flawless or, on the contrary, a hazardous nightmare.
While we all admire the way the new tires perform in terms of grip and traction, there comes a time when they no longer deliver the confident performance we get used to. Many drivers wonder what the specific signs are that suggest that the tires are no longer in optimal condition to ensure safe driving. And we are here to answer this question.
The NeoTires specialists consulted with various experts in the field and studied the consumer report standpoint in this regard. Below, we have compiled all the necessary information that you need to consider when questioning the integrity of your tires. Long story short, let's see what it's about.
Signs You Drive on Bad Tires
Hydroplaning
If you are an experienced driver, you already know what tire hydroplaning means. For the newbies in this field, hydroplaning is the phenomenon in which the tires lose their grip on the wet road due to the layer of water in rain conditions (or other wet conditions). The point is that tires, as a rule, have well-thought-out treads and grooves so that they evacuate water in the most efficient way possible, thus reducing the probability of hydroplaning. If the effect of hydroplaning becomes more intense than usual, this may suggest that the tires are no longer viable enough.
Matter of fact, new tires tend to hydroplane at an average speed of 50 mph. Obviously, the stability of the vehicle on wet surfaces also depends a lot on how hard it rains or how thick the water is on the road. In addition, we have to admit that most of us do not drive with brand-new tires all the time. As such, we should expect the effect of hydroplaning at an average speed of 40- 45 mph (with some error margin depending on the tire design), which is more or less, expected and normal.
When Is Hydroplaning A Problem?
Hydroplaning becomes a problem when it occurs at low speed. I mean, if normally, hydroplaning is to be expected at +/- 45-50 mph, everything that happens up to this threshold suggests a possible problem with the condition of your tires.
Try to determine at what speed you start to feel the tendency to hydroplane. More precisely, you will feel the steering wheel twitching from side to side when you hit a puddle with both wheels simultaneously. This means that the tires lose their grip alternatively. If this effect occurs around the speed of 45-50 mph, your tires are in optimal shape. Just be cautious and reduce speed to control the behavior of the vehicle in rainy weather.
If this effect occurs earlier, for example at 25-35 mph, we recommend that you consider new tires because yours are no longer safe enough. Alternatively, you could reduce your speed and drive more cautiously to minimize the risk of hydroplaning. However, the fact that the tires do not manage to control hydroplaning effectively speaks of a possibly worn tread. In this sense, the worn tread is not able to ensure grip and efficient traction neither in the wet nor in the dry. So, you put your driving safety at risk every time you get behind the wheel.
Whistling When Cornering
Specialists always recommend being alert to the sounds and noises produced by the vehicle AND the tires. These suggest either the impairment of certain systems in the vehicle or of the tires' health. What concerns tire whistling during turning or other similar maneuvers is, in most cases, about loss of traction.
Many confuse this whistling with tire sporting performance often heard at car racing competitions. But, in fact, it is not always about this, but rather, about the loss of traction between the tire and the road surface.
When Does Whistling Become a Problem?
Indeed, high-performance vehicles often make squealing and whistling noises, especially when driving at high speed. However, not all drivers run performance vehicles, and yet, these still whistle while cornering. We recommend noticing when exactly these noises occur. Try to determine under what circumstances and at what speed they mostly take place.
In most cases, whistling is a problem when it occurs during smooth turns and at a relatively low speed of about 30-35 mph. We recommend changing the tires at this stage if the mechanic does not detect other technical issues that could also produce similar noises.
Skidding/Drifting
The skidding effect is also an indicator that your tires might be in too deplorable condition. It is important to be able to "read" this symptom correctly. Normally, drivers should rotate their tires regularly to minimize early wear and the risk of skidding on one of the axles. Experts recommend that the tires with the least wear be mounted on the rear axle, regardless of the type of traction in the vehicle.
Even under the conditions of timely rotation, you can notice that they tend to skid more and more frequently. Again, we recommend that you draw attention to the specificity of these slips and the conditions in which they occur. A good strategy in this sense is to draw attention to the way the tires brake on the straight section. If the braking is accompanied by skidding AND with a tread depth less than 2/32'', the set of tires must be changed urgently. To check your tire depth, you can use the Penny Test.
Bottom Line
Tires are the only connection point between the road surface and the vehicle. If this "bridge" is impaired, your driving will never be safe enough. Please, take into account these 3 symptoms and take measures whenever you notice any of them. Obviously, many other signs also suggest that the tires are not in optimal condition. We will list them below for you to keep in mind. Meanwhile, make sure to draw attention to whistling while cornering, hydroplaning speed, and how much your tires skid when braking.
Warning Signs Of Tire Failure: FAQs
What Can You Do To Minimize The Risk Of Tire Failure?
Every driver can contribute to minimizing the risk of tire failure. All that is necessary is for the driver to regularly inspect the condition of the tire and inflate it according to the manufacturer's recommendations. These 2 aspects are the key to preventing tire failure.
What Are The Signs Of Tire Failure?
As you know, regular visual inspection is one of the most important actions you can take to early detect a possible sign of tire failure. Experts recommend weekly inspections for safety reasons. It doesn't take you more than a few minutes to assess the tire condition to estimate the need for rotation, alignment, inflation, or replacement, if necessary. So, beware of these early warning symptoms of tire failure:
- Worn Out Tread
In order for the tires to perform safely and confidently, they must have a well-defined tread. If it is worn out, the performance of the tire will suffer a lot. Most modern tires have Wear Indicator Bars that let you know when the tire structure has reached the minimum allowed. Change the tires right away if you notice that these bars have become visible on your tire tread. Alternatively, you can measure the tread depth with the Penny Test. This way you will be able to estimate how much safe tread you have left for optimal driving.
- Cuts And/Or Cracking On The Sidewalls
These can be hazardous if they are too deep. You should consult a mechanic to repair the tire, if necessary. Sidewall tire damage is usually irreparable and requires tire replacement instead. With this in mind, you should ask for professional advice for safety reasons.
- Uneven Tread Wear
The tire must have a uniform tread for maximum performance, traction, and grip. This is "unhealthy" if it shows signs of uneven wear. This symptom talks about a possible misalignment, lack of rotation, suspension issues, or improper inflation.
- Vibrations While Driving
Healthy driving should not normally generate excessive vibrations. This symptom may suggest issues related to lack of wheel balance, misalignment, suspension, or bent issues. The vehicle requires a technical inspection when you notice the vibrations becoming excessive.
- Bulges or Blisters
The appearance of bulges or blisters on the tire is a premise for a potential tire failure. Ideally, it would be good to replace the tires because they have weak spots that can degrade the tire at any moment.
Does Tire Pressure Make A Difference?
Yes, absolutely. Tire pressure can dramatically impact the condition of tires whenever there is too much or too little pressure. The bad condition of the tires is often caused by incorrect pressure in them. Both underinflation and overinflation are a good premise for tire uneven wear, in addition to many other consequences. So, for the integrity of your tires, try to maintain proper pressure, regardless of whether you inflate with compressed air or nitrogen.
Why Is Underinflation Bad For Your Tires?
Tire pressure can fluctuate as a result of osmosis or weather changes. Many drivers might not even notice that the tires have too little air in them, unless the vehicle TPMS alerts them.
The problem of underinflation consists in the fact that the shape of the tire changes. Due to too little air, the edges of the tire drop on the road, leaving more rubber than it should. This leads to 1) uneven tire wear on the outside edges, 2) more fuel burning because the vehicle exerts more effort to propel the tire forward, and 3) more sidewall flex which leads to more heat build-up and consequently - to a possible blowout.
As such, less fuel efficiency, excessive flex, and uneven tire wear are also signs that you are driving on bad tires. The first thing you should do is make sure of the pressure level in them.
Tire Pressure Maintenance Tips
How to make sure that the pressure is not a problem for the condition and integrity of your tires? To exclude pressure from the list of reasons that lead to driving on bad tires, you must keep in mind the following aspects:
Do not estimate the pressure in them only by visual inspection. Make sure you measure the pressure with a specialized tool. Check the pressure in all 4 tires at least once a month and every time you need necessary;
Make sure you pump the level recommended by the manufacturer. You will find the necessary information either on the driver's jamb or in the driver's manual. We recommend that you avoid inflating up to the maximum inflation limit that you can find on the tire sidewall. You need an average pressure level and not a maximum one.
Measure the pressure of the tires when they are cold, that is, before setting off on the road. Measuring in hot conditions can give erroneous results because the tire pressure increases slightly when it accumulates heat due to friction.
Why Trust Us?
NeoTires cares about the safety of our customers and all drivers. In this sense, we strive to provide information as truthful and confirmed as possible by experts in the field and major tire manufacturers. Tires have become an object of study for us because they define the vehicle's performance in various road and weather conditions. We do everything possible for drivers to choose the right products to help them make it in any condition without risking their safety.
In addition, we are here to offer a wide range of tires for any vehicle and any need. Whenever you need the right shoes for your car, trust our offers because we provide the industry's most reliable and trustworthy products. In addition, we strive to offer competitive prices for you to benefit from both premium quality and affordable buying conditions.
Last but not least, you can count on us whenever you need tire-related assistance. Our trained assistants and qualified mechanics can guide you in any tire-related matter, prioritizing your driving safety and comfort. We cannot change your road conditions. But, at least, let us help you drive as confidently and efficiently as possible with our products. Drive safe and choose your tires wisely!
