What are the symptoms of an out-of-round tire?
2 Answers
Tire out-of-roundness will cause strong vibrations during driving. If it occurs on the front wheels, it will affect steering sensitivity, with very noticeable vibrations in the steering wheel and seats, requiring immediate inspection and repair. If caused by wheel hub deformation, it may also lead to poor tire airtightness, resulting in air leakage and pressure loss. Tires are the most critical components in a vehicle's driving system, directly related to driving safety. If any tire issues are detected, immediately park safely and replace with a spare tire or visit an auto repair shop for maintenance. More relevant information is as follows: 1. The most obvious symptom caused by an out-of-round wheel hub is vehicle deviation. Tire out-of-roundness, caused by wheel hub deformation, requires wheel hub replacement and should not continue to be used due to safety hazards. Dynamic balancing cannot repair a deformed wheel hub. 2. If the wheel hub exhibits bending, cracking, or severe corrosion, it should be replaced promptly. Failure to replace a damaged wheel hub may result in the tire slipping off the hub or even lead to vehicle control loss.
Driving with an out-of-round tire feels noticeably off. The steering wheel constantly vibrates, especially when the speed exceeds 40 km/h, causing the car body to sway and making it difficult to control. During turns, the tires make loud noises, like a buzzing friction sound right in your ears. I experienced this once, and it was particularly obvious during long highway drives. After stopping, I checked the tires and found strange wear patterns—the outer edges were much smoother than the inner ones. This uneven wear can reduce the tire's lifespan by more than half and increases the risk of a blowout. It gets worse on bumpy roads, with the car bouncing around like it's dancing, making the drive nerve-wracking. For safety, it's best to check tire pressure and roundness monthly. If needed, get them balanced at a shop or replace them entirely to avoid bigger issues that could affect the entire suspension system.