Tyres are the unsung heroes of your vehicle. Day after day, they take the hit of your travels, gripping road surfaces, enduring potholes, and driving through weather. However, like any dependable component, there comes a time when it begins to show signs of wear. The catch is, most of us never even look at them, until it is too late.
Knowing how to check if tyre is worn out isn't just a question of car maintenance, it's a question of safety. And believe me, one quick inspection can say more about your tyres' state than you would imagine. So, if you ever wondered about worn out tyres, what they are, and how to check tyre condition, this piece is for you.
Worn Out Tyres Meaning: What Does It Actually Mean?
Before we go into how to check, let's discuss the fundamental question, worn out tyres meaning what precisely?
When we refer to tyres that are worn out, we are referring to tyres whose tread depth, structural integrity, or both have been lost. The tread is the texture of the tyre's surface that gives it grip, disperses water, and supports the stability of the tyre overall. When it becomes worn out, the tyre's performance is considerably lower.
But it is not just a matter of the tread. Sidewall damage, cracking, or deformation are also types of tyre wear. These hidden weaknesses are as dangerous as bald tyres because they can lead to sudden bursts or loss of control. In short, worn-out tyres are a safety hazard. They compromise your braking, cornering, and handling, making every journey a more dangerous experience.
Also Read: Unveiling the Dangers: Understanding Cracks in Tyre Sidewalls
How to Check Tyre Condition: Easy Checks You Can Do
Want to know how to check tyre condition without any special tools? No need to be a pro.
First, inspect your tyres for the following:
Tread Wear: Most tyres have tread wear indicators. These are small rubber strips in the grooves. If the tread has worn down to the height of these strips, your tyre is worn out.
Cracks and Cuts: Check along the sidewalls for cuts, cracking, or bulges. Even seemingly minor damage can be a warning sign.
Uneven Wear: If one side of the tyre is considerably more worn out than the other, it could be an alignment issue, but either way, that tyre's time is up.
Embedded Objects: Nails, stones, or glass fragments have the potential to compromise the structure internally, although they may not be creating a flat immediately.
Regular inspections on your tyres' wear is one way of detecting these signs at an early stage, and this gives you ample time to do something about it before it becomes dangerous.
How to Check If Tyre is Worn Out Using the Tread Depth Test
If you're curious to know how to check if a tyre is worn out in a practical manner, here's a simple solution, the tread depth test.
As a rule of thumb, a tread depth of at least 1.6 mm is the minimum requirement by law. Less than that? Time for a new one.
The Coin Test: Place a coin in the tread of your tyre. If you can see most of the top of the coin, then your tread is too thin.
Tread Wear Indicators: Some tyres incorporate wear indicators that indicate when your tread is wearing too low.
Checking this every month will make you a step ahead of tyre wear. Especially when going on long trips, it should be part of the routine to do this simple check.
Why Are the Worn Out Tyres Discarded
Have you ever asked yourself why the worn out tyres are discarded and not repaired? Safety and convenience are the reasons for this.
The moment a tyre wears out, it has lost its structural integrity, flexibility, and traction. Patching can never replace the missing tread or repair weary rubber. They increase your crash risk, poor braking, and hydroplaning.
Also, a tyre that has worn out will be ineffective in pushing water away on wet roads, leading to skidding or aquaplaning. Overall, it is a risk you do not want to expose yourself to.
Therefore, manufacturers and safety experts always recommend disposing of worn out tyres instead of trying to artificially extend their use.
What Can Happen If You Drive on Worn Out Tyres
Travelling on worn out tyres is not only uncomfortable, it's hazardous. Let's see why:
Increased Braking Distance: Your braking distance goes through the roof because of shallow treads.
Noisy Ride: Your ride is bumpy and noisy because your tyres are no longer cushioning the ride for you.
Lack of Control: Understeer or oversteer, either way, your tyres lose traction. No grip at all.
Greater Probability of Punctures: With reduced rubber, debris can puncture through with ease.
Tyre Blowout: The worst possible situation, particularly at high speeds, a blowout can result in fatal accidents.
So, the next time you notice a tyre 'a bit old', don't hesitate before overlooking an early replacement. It's not just about comfort, it's life and limb.
Can Worn Out Tyres Cause Damage to Wheel Bearing
This is a query most vehicle owners ask, can worn out tyres cause damage to wheel bearing? The short answer? Yes.
Worn out tyres produce uneven loading of the wheel assembly. This loading could impose excessive stress on the wheel bearing, which would result in premature wear or complete failure.
A tired wheel bearing is no joke. It can cause vibrations, noise, and, in severe cases, loss of wheel control. While the tyres themselves might seem like the culprit, neglecting them can have a domino effect on your entire suspension system.
So, replacing worn out tyres isn't so much about the tyres themselves, it's about safeguarding other critical pieces, too.
Symptoms Of Tyre Ageing Even If Not Worn Out
Tyres do not even have to be bald to pose a risk sometimes. Tyres age, even if they are not worn out tyres in kilometres.
Rubber Hardening: The rubber compound hardens with time, becoming less grippy.
Cracks in Sidewalls: Heat, sunlight, and air exposure create small cracks.
Loss of Flexibility: An old tyre will not bend as it used to, affecting comfort and control.
So even if your tread is in good shape, if your tyres are 5-6 years older or more, it's time to let the experts check them out. Tyre ageing is silent but lethal.
Simple Tips to Prevent Premature Tyre Wear
Tyres will be worn out tyres one day, but you can postpone it. Here's how:
Proper Pressure: Over-inflated and under-inflated tyres wear unevenly.
Wheel Alignment: Regular alignment checks ensure even wearing of the tread.
Balanced Wheels: Keeps your ride smooth and prevents uneven wear.
Rotate Tyres: Changing tyre positions every 8,000-10,000 km causes them to wear evenly.
Little things prolong tyre life by years and make driving always a pleasure. Prevention is less costly than replacement for tyres.
When To Replace Tyres Even If They Look Alright
Even when your tyres look all right, don't guess by eye. Here's when to replace them:
If tread depth is below 1.6 mm.
If cracks or bulges are visible.
If the tyre is older than 6 years.
If you often experience yourself going through vibrations or poor handling.
Proactivity is the key. It's not necessary to wait for tyres to fail before replacing them.
Also Read: When to Replace Car Tyres?
Final Thoughts
Understanding how to check tyre condition and recognize signs of worn out tyres is crucial to all motorists. Understanding how to check if tyre is worn out, why are the worn out tyres discarded, and can worn out tyres cause damage to wheel bearing isn't trivia, it's the key to safe driving.
If you’re unsure about the condition of your tyres or feel something’s off, don’t wait for the problem to escalate. Visit your nearest Apollo-authorised service centre. They’ll check your tyres, offer maintenance advice, and recommend the best replacements if necessary.
Because with tyres, it’s simple, the better their condition, the safer and smoother your journey.