How to Deal with Stones in Tire Grooves?
2 Answers
The steps to deal with stones in tire grooves are: 1. Use an unused key or a screwdriver to pry out the stones—needle-nose pliers work very well; 2. Deflating and inflating the tire can cause some stones to fall off naturally; 3. During car washing, use a high-pressure water gun to rinse at close range, and for stubborn stones, use a screwdriver. Some stones are quite sharp and may puncture the outer rubber layer of the tire during high-speed driving. If the inner tube is also punctured, it can lead to air leakage. Although many small stones may not appear sharp and are unlikely to puncture the steel belt layer in the tire body, they can still damage the rubber protecting the steel belts. This exposes the steel belts to air, leading to rust and eventually causing a tire blowout.
The stones stuck in tire treads are easy to deal with but crucial. As a frequent driver, I must say these pebbles lodged in the grooves aren't just noise-makers—over time they wear down tread patterns and may even puncture inner layers, risking air leaks or blowouts. My routine involves using a small screwdriver or a specialized stone-picking hook tool to squat and pick them out after parking. I inspect tires every week or two, especially after driving on gravel roads. For prevention, I avoid routes with excessive loose stones whenever possible. Since adopting this habit, my tires last longer and rides feel smoother and quieter. Once, I forgot to clear them—deeply embedded stones caused imbalance vibrations, costing me hundreds in tire replacement. Now I remind fellow drivers never to overlook this seemingly minor issue.
