Tires are vital to your car’s performance, and without them, your vehicle won’t go very far. Over time, however, the tires begin to show wear and tear, and knowing what to look for ensures proper auto maintenance. Here are a few of the most common issues you may encounter.

What Are the Most Common Tire Problems?

1. Balding

Bald tires mean the rubber is worn out. Treads are essentially gone from usage, and new tires are needed. As tires age and miles add up, balding is a normal result, but continuing to drive on them, especially in inclement weather, is unsafe because you are more prone to accidents and blowouts.

2. Cracking

Cracking along the rubber sides of tires happens for a few reasons, such as using harsh cleaning chemicals or leaving the car outside and having the sun dry and weaken the thick material. Detailing your wheels can sometimes expose them to abrasive cleaners that will eat away at the rubber; instead, use water-based solvents that won’t damage the exterior.

3. Uneven Treads

You may notice that the treads on your tires are not wearing down evenly, which means you should call an auto repair expert to assess the real problem. Most likely, your suspension needs attention, and the alignment is off. You may notice balding only on the outside or inside of each wheel.

4. Holes

Long nails and screws are problematic for tires. If you notice low pressure that doesn’t resolve after refilling the air, you may have picked up a nail or screw in your travels. Hardware and other sharp debris in the road cause slow leaks, and while patches may sustain you for a while, a new tire is your best bet to avoid other problems like a flat or blowout.

5. Flattened Spots

Flat spots happen for a few different reasons. Sometimes, just leaving your car parked in the same place for too long will lead to flattened areas in the rubber. If that is not the case, an underlying issue may be behind it like bad struts or shocks.

When you need new tires in La Crosse and Onalaska, WI, and Winona MN, Dee’s Auto Care Specialists have been the top choice in auto maintenance since 1936. Whether it’s for exhaust and engine work or auto repairs that fix failing components and routine oil changes, their professional team can help. Call the Automotive Service Excellence-certified mechanics at (608) 782-2530 or visit them online to learn more about their services.