Symptoms: Vibration or shimmy
Diagnostic: Tires Out of Balance OR Steering & Suspension System Malfunction
Tires that are out of balance can cause vibrations that lead to driver fatigue, premature or uneven tire wear and unnecessary wear and tear on your vehicle's suspension.
Solution and advices
The solution could be as simple as rebalancing your tires
You might also need to fix your steering and suspension system.
Visit your tire professional at the very first sign of vibration or shimmy.
If rebalancing doesn't eliminate the vibration, have the alignment and/or suspension system components checked.
Tires should be balanced when they are mounted on wheels for the first time or when they are remounted after being repaired.
Symptoms: Pulling to One side or Poor steering
Diagnostic 1: Poor Alignment
Uneven front or rear tire wear means that you need an alignment.
Solution:
Many vehicles today are equipped with rear suspensions that can be adjusted for alignment.
If this is the case, your vehicle may need a "front-end" alignment or a "four-wheel" alignment, depending on the symptoms you are experiencing. See your tire dealer for an inspection.
Symptoms: Poor handling
Diagnostic: Tire Damage that Requires Repair
Most punctures, nail holes or cuts up to 6 mm confined to the tread may be repaired by a tire professional using industry-approved procedures.
An on-the-wheel plug-only repair is not reliable and is dangerous. After a puncture the inside of a tire must be inspected.
Solution:
The proper repair of a radial tire (most tires) includes placing a rubber patch on the inner liner of the tire and filling the hole with rubber.
Do not attempt to repair tires with tread punctures larger than 6 mm or any sidewall puncture. Also, do not have tires repaired that are worn below 1.6 mm tread depth.
Replace your damaged tire with a spare tire. First, be sure to check the spare tire's sidewall for the correct inflation pressure, speed and mileage limitations. Take your vehicle or tire to be inspected by a tire professional.
Other tips and advice
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How long do tires last?
Wondering how long should tires last?
Defining the lifespan of a tire is difficult as there are many criteria involved, but by reading this article you will know how to preserve your tires for as long as possible, when it is advisable to have them checked and which tires guarantee the best performance until the last mile.Read more -
What tire pressure for my car?
Having the correct recommended tire pressure in your vehicle’s tires not only optimises the performance but also increases your personal safety and those of other road users when driving.
On the other hand, incorrect tire pressure will reduce the grip of your tires and increase your braking distances. It can also damage your tires, reduce their life span and increase your fuel consumption. Let's take a look at how to avoid these risks and what tire pressure is needed for your vehicle.Read more