Should the Stones in Tire Treads Be Removed?

[Cory]

Stones lodged in the treads of car tires should be removed. The hazards of having small stones in tire treads are as follows: 1. Noise generation: Generally, you can detect stones in the tires by listening carefully while driving. The faster the speed, the higher the frequency of noise, indicating that stones are stuck in the treads. When stones are trapped in the tires, you can clearly hear the sound of stones rubbing against the road surface while driving, which may severely impair the driver's judgment of road conditions. 2. Impact on tire performance: The grooves on tires are designed for drainage. When filled with small stones, the drainage efficiency is reduced. Driving on wet and slippery roads in rainy conditions can weaken the tire's grip or braking performance, increasing the risk of skidding. On highways, this may even lead to brake failure. 3. Risk of air leakage or blowouts: Some sharp stones may puncture the outer rubber layer of the tire during high-speed driving. If the inner tube is also punctured, it can cause air leakage. Although many small stones may not appear sharp enough to penetrate the steel belts in the tire body, they can damage the rubber protecting the steel wires, exposing them to air and causing rust, which eventually leads to blowouts. Additionally, stones stuck in tire treads hitting the road surface at high speeds can cause localized temperature increases in the tire, which over time may also result in blowouts. 4. Potential harm to pedestrians: At high speeds, stones trapped in tire grooves can be flung out, potentially injuring pedestrians.

[LeDallas]

As a long-distance driving enthusiast, cleaning out stones from tire treads is a must for me—it's all about driving safety. Pebbles stuck in the tire grooves can cause squeaky noises, distracting the driver, and may even lead to tire imbalance due to vibrations at high speeds, resulting in steering wheel wobble. More dangerously, sharp stones can puncture the tread, potentially causing air leaks or even blowouts, especially on hot road surfaces. After every car wash, I make it a habit to check and gently pry out stones with a key or small tool. Developing this routine has made my drives smoother. Prevention is better than cure—this simple cleaning action can prevent major accidents. I recommend regularly observing road conditions and checking more frequently after driving on gravelly paths.

[SanAriana]

As an enthusiast who loves maintaining my own car, removing stones can help tires last longer and save hassle. Long-term accumulation of stones can wear down the tread rubber, accelerate tire aging, shorten lifespan, and waste money. I usually use a screwdriver or a dedicated hook to pick them out easily every time I park. If not removed, stones may cause excessive tire vibration, making the ride uncomfortable. Accumulating too many can affect traction, making the car prone to slipping in rainy weather. Developing this small habit isn't hard—I usually do it during idle moments at gas stations, taking less than a minute. Saving on tire replacement costs in the long run is definitely worth it. Keeping tires clean also reduces noise and improves ride comfort.

[DelArya]

Once I was too lazy to remove the stones, and the annoying buzzing noise on the road drove me crazy. The stones stuck in the tire treads rubbed against the ground, making strange sounds that disrupted my driving mood. A friend also experienced sharp stones nearly puncturing the tire. So I learned my lesson—now when I park, I casually pick them out with the tip of my key. It's simple; don't wait until problems arise. Tire treads easily accumulate stones, especially after driving on gravel roads. Regular cleaning ensures smooth operation. This habit keeps my car more reliable.