When purchasing a set of new tires, it’s common to think that they’ll last for years without harm. However, even the best-maintained tires can develop a wide range of faults and flaws, whether through carelessness or due to no fault of the driver. In order to prepare yourself for this eventuality and to get repairs when needed, take a look at the most common forms of tire damage in the guide below.

Types of Tire Damage Every Driver Should Know About

1. Irregular Tread Wear

New tires will gradually wear out the longer they’re in contact with the road. Unless you minimize tread wear by regularly rotating your tires, you may notice several forms of irregular wear. For example, center wear occurs when excessive torque is applied to the tires in vehicles with exceptionally powerful engines, or when a tire is overinflated.

Alternatively, a tire can become worn on one side when tires are misaligned or if you regularly park on a curb. Once the tread depth is less than 1/32nd of an inch, you’ll have to replace a tire to ensure proper traction on the road.

2. Cracking

You’re more likely to notice cracks in your tires after two to three years of regular use. Ordinarily, this occurs due to wear and tear during everyday driving as well as repeated expansion and contraction during hot and cold weather. Cracks can also be caused by the ultraviolet rays in sunlight as well as bad road conditions.

Even cosmetic cracking is a sign that a tire is reaching the end of its service life. Since cracks can’t be reliably repaired, buying new tires is often the only safe option in this case.

3. Bulging

Also known as tire bubbles or impact breaks, bulging occurs when driving over sharp speed bumps, curbs, or other obstacles at high speed or at the wrong angle. The resulting impact can weaken a tire’s sidewall, causing the damaged rubber to bulge out.

While you can continue to drive on a bulging tire, doing so is unwise, as it’s usually only a matter of time before the tire blows out. Regularly inspect your tires for bubbles, especially after driving over curbs or poorly-paved roads, to minimize your risk.

Whether you’re in need of new tires to replace damaged ones or dependable repairs, you can turn to Tennessee Tire in Clarksville, TN. Since 2013, they’ve offered top-quality new and used tires to drivers throughout the state and in neighboring Kentucky, along with rotations, wheel alignments, inspections, and more. Call (931) 401-1255 to discuss your needs with a team member, or visit them online to learn more about their services.