What are the signs of abnormal car tires?
3 Answers
When there is an abnormality in the tire, such as abnormal tire pressure, a warning light will illuminate. The tire pressure warning light resembles an exclamation mark enclosed in parentheses with a tread line at the bottom, similar to the tread pattern of a tire. The entire symbol looks like a cross-section of a tire. Relevant information about tire pressure is as follows: Introduction: Tire pressure, strictly speaking, refers to the air pressure inside the tire. In car maintenance, the engine is the heart of the car—damage to the engine can lead to the end of the car's life. Similarly, tire pressure is like the blood pressure of the car, and its level plays a crucial role in the car's performance and power. Hazards of excessive tire pressure: It reduces the friction and adhesion of the tire, affecting braking performance; it causes steering wheel vibration and deviation, reducing driving comfort.
I haven't been driving for long, and I'm always worried about tire problems. The signs of abnormal car tires are usually very obvious. For example, while driving, you might feel the steering wheel shaking or the car body vibrating irregularly, which could indicate poor tire balance or uneven tread wear. Or you might hear a humming or clicking noise, especially more noticeable on overpasses, which is likely due to insufficient tire pressure or a stone or nail stuck in the tread. Also, after parking, take a walk around the car and carefully check the tires for cracks, bulges, or severe wear, especially on the shoulder and sidewalls, as damage in these areas increases the risk of a blowout. I get nervous every time I notice something abnormal because tires are the first line of safety, directly affecting braking and steering performance. If ignored, it could lead to skidding in the rain or losing control at high speeds. So, I recommend that new drivers like me develop the habit of checking tire pressure and visually inspecting the tires every week. If unsure, find a reliable auto shop to check them—don't wait until a major problem occurs.
With twenty years of driving experience, I'm all too familiar with the warning signs of tire abnormalities. If the vehicle noticeably drifts while driving, such as constantly needing to adjust the steering wheel to maintain a straight line, it's likely due to misaligned tires or severe wear on a single tire. Additionally, if you hear clunking or low rumbling sounds during acceleration or braking, it could be caused by excessive tire pressure leading to harsh vibrations, whereas insufficient pressure tends to produce a duller noise. Moreover, when parked, inspect the tire treads—if one side is nearly bald while the other remains intact, this is called uneven wear, commonly seen in rear-wheel-drive vehicles or those without regular tire rotation. The moment these signs appear, be alert to the risks of blowouts or brake failure. From my personal experience, I recommend using a tire pressure gauge monthly to ensure pressures are within the manufacturer's recommended range, while also accounting for temperature fluctuations—tires tend to expand in summer and deflate in winter. Early inspection and maintenance are infinitely better than dealing with an accident after the fact.
