Tyres are possibly the great forgotten of cars’ mechanics, yet they are essential parts. Think about it: Driving in cold, bad weather and the tyres are the only point of contact we have with the road surface while driving. Every day we are more aware of their importance to our safety, yet we continue to observe how more than one driver moves around with them in deplorable condition. They are vital, so we show you some of the dangers and consequences of having them in a poor state.

1) Skidding

Due to the action of forces, a tire tends to deform when taking a turn. The weights that these bear are beyond our imagination. The tyre’s sidewall suffers the most in these situations, so if the tyre rolls with a lower pressure than recommended, it can cause skidding. Remember, it is the outer tyres that carry all the weight in turn. If the tyre slips, we will more than likely find ourselves in a rollover situation.

2) Puncture

The tread of a tire has a significant amount of rubber and grooves. These serve not only to drain water in case of rain or improve grip, but they are also an element of protection against the thousands of objects on our roads. With little tire or insufficient pressure, a tire in poor condition is more prone to puncture. Why not take shoes without soles? Well, then don’t do the same with your car.

3) Higher consumption

Tires can be a risky situation, and with those in poor condition, we’ll also visit the gas station with greater regularity than we would like. In any case, the tire pressure must be correct, not too high and not too low, because in both cases, the tire circulates in conditions for which it was not made, increasing consumption. An additional expense that can also present a real danger.

4) Loosening Tyre Tread

We have all seen more than once a tread that has come ultimately off the tire. Trucks often suffer from this; we see it daily on roads across the country. However, other vehicles can also suffer, and unlike the titans of the road, we don’t have six or eight wheels. The leading causes are insufficient tread retreading, significant tire elevation or underinflation. The consequences: the loss of the car.

5) Defects in Four-Wheel Drive

Four-wheel drive vehicles can have severe mechanical problems if we ignore the tyres’ situation. These generally use variable traction, which causes uneven tire wear, just like in front- or rear-wheel-drive cars. In the case of 4x4s, however, the imbalance can lead to a break in the differential. A breakage that entails an expensive repair cost!

6) Loss of Comfort

Lastly, there’s comfort. Tire manufacturers are increasingly striving to produce tires that not only offer good grip or durability but provide comfort as well. If we drive with too much tire pressure, the occupants’ convenience will be affected, just like if we do so with an unbalanced tire or with uneven wear. In all cases, vibration will occur and become as uncomfortable as it is unsafe.

So don’t play it; pay the attention the tyres deserve. When we go on a long trip, or every so often, it helps check the cost and tire pressure. With this simple action, you can significantly reduce the risk of an accident. In any case, you have an unexpected puncture when you’re out and want to avoid the high-stress levels, the team at Star Truck Types in Dandenong South, VIC, offers a 24-hour tyre repair service to ensure that you’re back on the road as quickly as possible! You can also get in touch with them for any other truck-tyre and associated needs.