Have you noticed a reduction in your handling while driving? Worn-down tires not only put you in danger of skids and blowouts, but they also reduce your overall vehicle performance and driving pleasure. If you notice the following indications of degraded or damaged tires, it’s best to get some new tires at your nearest GMC dealership right away.
Hidden Punctures
Not all tire punctures are obvious. Sometimes a tire can become punctured in a subtle way that you might not notice immediately. Such a hidden puncture puts you at risk of a serious blowout while driving.
With a hidden puncture, you might notice the air pressure dropping inexplicably in one tire. If you search carefully, you might also find a small, embedded object such as a nail in a void between the tire treads.
Blistering Tire Rubber
Internally damaged tires can sometimes blister on the outside. Blistering may mean that friction between the inner layers of rubber has generated too much heat.
It may also mean the inner tubing has been punctured, letting air escape to become trapped under the outer layer of rubber. Any blistering usually means the tire has to be replaced.
Deep Lacerations
Most tires naturally develop a few small cuts from sharp objects on the road. Very small cuts are usually nothing to worry about, but if you find a deep or long laceration, it’s best to have the tire inspected by one of our experienced technicians.
Excessive Cracks
The sidewalls of tires will almost always develop tiny cracks over time as the UV rays, water, chemicals, and changes in temperature gradually dry out the oils inside the rubber. As with cuts, a few hairline cracks are unlikely to be a problem.
But when these cracks multiply in volume and grow longer and deeper, the tire may become dangerous to use. When cracks extend outward into the treads of a tire, this may also mean the tire is no longer structurally sound.
Faded Tire Rubber
Sometimes cracks are a sign of dry rot, which is very harmful to tire rubber. If dry rot takes hold, the color of the affected area will often fade to pale gray. Also, the affected area will become brittle. A tire with dry rot is no longer safe to drive upon.
Diminished Tread Depth
As a well-maintained tire reaches the end of its natural lifespan, the treads will diminish in depth until they reach about 2/32 of an inch. This is the minimum legal depth of treads in most US states, and it’s wise to change tires before the treads grow so thin in order to maintain strong traction on various road surfaces.
Have your tires checked, rotated, repaired, or replaced today at Performance GMC Cadillac. We’re dedicated to providing an exceptional customer experience, whatever your vehicle needs may be.
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