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It’s important to regularly check the condition of your tyres to make sure that they are safe to drive on.

But just what types of tyre issues should you be looking for? Below are just some of the tyre issues that should never be ignored.

Bulges

Tyre bulges are often caused by hitting obstacles like kerbs or potholes at a bad angle. Once a tyre develops a bulge, it can mean that the tyre is vulnerable to a blowout. You may be fine driving at low speeds, but at high speeds it could be a real danger. If you see any bulges, get the tyre replaced as soon as possible. To avoid bulges, take care with kerbs, speed bumps and potholes.

Cuts and cracks

Cuts and cracks in your tyres are something you shouldn’t ignore either. Even if the cut hasn’t penetrated all the way through the rubber and your tyre isn’t losing air, continuing to drive on it could open it up more. As with bulges, there’s a risk of being in an accident as a result of a surprise blowout. Replacing the tyre is likely to be necessary unless it’s a very small cut.

Low tread depth

Is the tread on your tyre starting to look a bit worn? Excessive wear could eventually result in tyres that are illegal to drive on. A tyre with no tread has no grip, increasing your chances of skidding and losing control on slippery surfaces. Tyres with low tread depth are also more susceptible to punctures because the tyre wall is much thinner. You can read more about how to measure tread depth here.

Slow puncture

Instead of repairing a slow puncture, some people simply fill it up with air and continue to drive on it until it starts to run flat again. While you may be able to still drive a good many miles with a slow puncture, it’s not recommended. A small tear could open up and become a large tear, increasing the risk of a blow-out. You’ll also be regularly driving on underinflated tires, which will cause you to burn up more fuel and reduce handling. All in all, it’s better to get the problem repaired there and then. There are mobile tyre fitters you can call to prevent you having to drive on the tyre. In some cases, a puncture may be possible to repair without needing to replace the tyre.

Wobbling

Wobbling tyres are never a good sign. Tyre wobble is likely to affect steering, which could mean that you have less control of the vehicle. Common causes of wobbling tyres include misaligned wheels or misaligned suspension from hitting potholes or kerbs. In these cases, it may not just be the tyre that needs fixing, but also the wheels and suspension. It depends very much on where the wobble is coming from – it could be a loose nut or something more serious. You can read more about diagnosing suspension issues here and how to repair them.

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