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Just like any other auto part, your truck tires will eventually wear out and need to be replaced. But when it comes time to get your tires replaced, do you really know what you're looking for? If not, don't worry – 4 Wheel Parts has you covered. Here are the five fundamentals of truck tire wear. When Do You Need New Tires? If your tires wear out faster than expected, it could be more than just regular wear and tear. Check to see if your tires are unevenly worn, as this could be a sign of an alignment issue. You can also see what tires wear down fastest by checking the tire tread depth. If the tread depth is less than 3/32 of an inch, it's time for new tires. When inspecting your tires, pay close attention to the sidewalls. If you see any cracks, cuts, or bulges, it's time for new tires. Not only is this dangerous, but it can also lead to a blowout causing you to lose control of your vehicle. If you frequently drive on unpaved roads, your tires will wear down quicker than if you stick to the pavement. The same goes for driving in extreme weather conditions, like in the snow or sand. If you do find yourself driving off-road or in bad weather often, consider investing in a dedicated set of M/S tires. It's also important to keep an eye on your tire pressure. Off-road tires can be underinflated when going over obstacles, but once you're out of harm's way, be sure to re-inflate them. Tires that are underinflated will wear out faster than those that are properly inflated. To prevent your truck tires from wearing out too quickly, it's important to rotate them regularly. This will help evenly distribute the weight and pressure of the vehicle, which will in turn help extend its lifespan. Multiple Cuts/Chunking A cut or two in your tire is normal and to be expected, but multiple cuts or "chunking" (large pieces of tread being ripped off) is a cause for alarm. Cuts are usually caused by running over sharp objects like nails, glass, metal, and even harsh off-road trails. If your truck sees any of the conditions mentioned above regularly, it's a good idea to invest in a set of all-terrain or mud-terrain tires like the Ironman All Country M/T. These tires are designed to stand up against the rigors of off-road driving and will help protect your sidewalls from cuts and chunks. Be sure to carry an extra tire or at the very least a Trail Gear Tire Plug Kit. This way, you can make a quick repair to your tire and get back on the road without having to wait on a recovery service like AAA. Vehicle Spin or Damage A spin-out can easily cause irreversible damage to your tires. If you've driven your truck in deep mud, sand, or snow, it's possible to get one or more of your tires to start spinning. Once this happens, the tread will start to dig into the ground and tear itself apart. Another reason this type of damage occurs is due to the truck itself and not the terrain. If a mudflap, fender flare, or other components of your truck get caught on something and rub against the tire, it will cause the tread to start peeling away. Wondering how to fix tire wear that's been caused by excessive vehicle spin or damage? The only way to fix a tire that's suffered this type of damage is to replace it. Depending on how bad the damage is, you may be able to get away "limping" it back to a repair shop where they can replace the tire for you. Brake Skid Damage In emergencies, you may have to brake hard to avoid an accident. If you do find yourself in this situation, check your tires afterward for any damage. The most common type of damage is called "brake skid." and it is common on older trucks that are not equipped with ABS. Brake skid happens when the brakes are applied so hard that the wheels lock up and start to skid. This causes the tire tread to get worn down quickly over one specific area, leaving a flat spot, and can even lead to a blowout. If your truck is not equipped with ABS, be sure to pump the brakes slowly and steadily to avoid locking up the wheels. If you do happen to skid, gently ease off the brakes and steer in the direction you want to go. Stone Retention For the everyday driver, an occasional rock or stone in the tread is no big deal. But for those who drive in rocky or mountainous terrain, it's important to be aware of the danger that these small objects can pose. If a rock gets lodged in the tread, it can cause what's called a "stone retention." This is when the weight of the vehicle presses down on the rock, which then digs into the tire and causes a leak or tear. To prevent this from happening, be sure to inspect your tires regularly for any rocks or stones that may be stuck in the tread. If you do find one, use a tire tool to carefully remove it. One-Sided Wear Tires are designed to be in constant, even contact with the road. But sometimes, due to bad alignment or other issues, they can start to wear down on one side more than the other. If you notice that your tires are wearing down unevenly, it's important to get your wheels aligned as soon as possible. Depending on how severe the problem is, it may be something as simple as an alignment adjustment. But if the problem is left unchecked, it will eventually lead to premature tire wear and even a blowout. So be sure to get it checked out as soon as you notice any unevenness in your tire wear. There you have it. These are the five most common causes of truck tire wear. By being aware of them, you can help extend the life of your tires and avoid costly repairs or replacements. Be sure to check out the full lineup of on and off-road tires at 4 Wheel Parts. Till next time, drive safe! |
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