What does tire buffing mean?
2 Answers
Buffing a tire refers to the process of grinding off the white barcode on the tire's bead area. A tire with its trademark removed is not a genuine product. These tires are usually identified as problematic during factory inspections. Some may still be usable, but they are not covered by the three-guarantee policy, meaning the manufacturer will not be responsible for any issues that arise. Essentially, these are substandard tires. Tires are one of the most critical components of a vehicle, directly contacting the road surface and working in conjunction with the suspension system to absorb shocks during driving, ensuring ride comfort and smoothness. They also provide excellent traction between the wheels and the road, improving the vehicle's acceleration, braking, and off-road capabilities. Additionally, tires bear the weight of the vehicle, making their role in automotive performance extremely important. Most buffed tires are those that failed dynamic balance tests, though other aspects may appear normal. While these tires do not pose an immediate risk of blowouts, they are not recommended for frequent high-speed driving (or speeds below 60 km/h). Although blowouts are unlikely, the abnormal dynamic balance can cause noticeable vibrations in the car (especially at high speeds) and even steering wheel shaking, which can compromise driving safety. For daily tire maintenance, pay attention to the following points: Regularly inspect the tire surface for cracks, deformations, or other defects. As tires wear down, the tread grooves gradually become shallower. If the tread is completely worn out, the tire loses its ability to drain water and provide traction, significantly reducing the vehicle's performance. Small cracks may also become potential hazards for blowouts at high speeds. Additionally, promptly remove any stones stuck in the grooves. Park on flat surfaces whenever possible and avoid parking on roads with thick, sharp, or jagged stones. Do not park near or in contact with oil products, acids, or other materials that can deteriorate rubber. After parking, avoid turning the steering wheel, as this accelerates tire wear. Do not splash water to cool overheated tires. In hot weather or during high-speed driving, tires can overheat, increasing internal pressure. In such cases, park to allow the tires to cool naturally. Never release air to reduce pressure or splash water to cool the tires, as this can cause abnormal aging of the tread rubber. Avoid sudden braking whenever possible, as frequent or hard braking can accelerate tread wear due to dragging against the road surface.
I encountered this issue during my first year of driving. That time I was driving back to my hometown on a long trip, and I kept feeling the car was a bit shaky, and the brakes weren't very steady. Upon closer inspection, I noticed the tires were completely worn out. Later, a friend told me that's called tread wear indicators—those small raised points in the tire tread grooves. When they wear down to the level of the tread, it's time to replace the tires. Now, every time I wash my car, I take a moment to check them. I use a one-yuan coin to insert into the tread; if the raised part is blocked by the coin, it's a warning sign. Safety comes first—driving with overly worn tires in the rain is terrifyingly slippery. Tire pressure also needs to be maintained at the standard level. If it's too low, it can cause faster inner wear, and frequent tire changes will hurt your wallet. With normal use, a tire can last up to 50,000 kilometers. Developing this habit saves money and gives peace of mind.
