Tyres are one of the most important components on your vehicle, yet they are often overlooked until there is a problem. Checking your tyres regularly and knowing what to look for can help you spot issues early and prevent more significant tyre damage or failure down the road. For Goodyear tyres specifically, there are some key wear signs to keep an eye out for to ensure you maximise the life of your tyres and stay safe on the road.
The condition of your tyres impacts vehicle performance, fuel efficiency, and most importantly, safety. Worn out tyres have less traction, take longer to stop, and are more prone to blowouts or other failures that could lead to accidents. That’s why it’s critical to inspect your tyres frequently and replace them when they reach certain wear limits.
So what exactly should you look out for when checking Goodyear tyres? Here are the top signs of wear and damage to watch for:
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Tread Depth
One of the most important inspections on any tyre is measuring tread depth. The tread provides grip between the tyre and road surface, so as it wears down braking distances increase. Goodyear recommends replacing tyres when tread depth reaches 1.6mm, as tyres with less tread have significantly reduced wet weather performance. Use a tread depth gauge to check multiple points around the tyre and look for uneven wear.
Tread Wear Indicators
Goodyear tyres have built-in tread wear indicators between the treads. When the tread depth gets low, it will become level with these indicators, signalling it’s time to replace your tyres. The indicators look like smooth rubber strips running perpendicular to the grooves. If you see them, your tread depth is 2mm or less and your tyres are worn out.
Cracks and Bulges
Check tyre sidewalls thoroughly for any cracking, cuts, bulges or other damage. Cracks allow air to leak out and indicate the rubber is deteriorating. Bulges point to underlying structural damage or issues like a separated belt or damaged sidewall. Any cracks wider than 2mm or bulges indicate it’s time to replace the tyre.
Punctures and Foreign Objects
Carefully inspect the tread and sidewalls for any punctures or foreign objects like nails or glass stuck in the rubber. A puncture allows air to leak out slowly. Repairable punctures less than 6mm in diameter can often be patched, but larger ones or damage too close to the sidewall may require replacement.
Feathering
Feathering shows up as thin, feather-like strips of rubber on the edges of the tread blocks. It indicates improper wheel alignment and causes premature tyre wear. Have your alignment checked and adjusted to minimise further feathering damage if you spot this.
Cupping
Cupping refers to a wavy or scalloped look to the tread blocks, almost like they are layered. It’s often caused by worn shocks or struts. Replacing worn suspension components can minimise additional cupping damage and improve tyre wear.
Shoulder Wear
The tyre’s shoulders are extra vulnerable to wear. If the tread looks significantly more worn on the outer shoulders, it’s a sign of improper inflation, wheel misalignment or worn suspension parts. Always keep tyres inflated to the proper pressures and get your alignment checked if shoulder wear is detected early.
When to Replace Goodyear Tyres
The above wear signs are all indicators it’s time to replace your Goodyear tyres. But even if they aren’t exhibiting obvious damage, tyres should be replaced after a certain period as rubber compounds slowly degrade over time. Goodyear recommends replacing tyres after 6 years regardless of remaining tread depth. Heat and environmental factors cause the rubber to lose elasticity and strength over time. Old tyres are more prone to sudden failure. Checking tyre sidewalls for the date code will help you determine tyre age if you’re unsure.
Any time unusual wear, vibration or noise occurs, have your tyres inspected by a tyre professional. Your Goodyear dealer can look for repairable damage or let you know if replacement is needed. Following the manufacturer’s inflation and maintenance recommendations and inspecting tyres regularly makes it more likely you’ll get the full life out of them. But when those telltale signs of wear appear, new Goodyear tyres will get you back on the road in safety.
As a Goodyear tyre dealer, we also offer tyre fitting service, you can buy tyres from our store and online from our website. Brendale Goodyear is a leading Goodyear tyre shop in Brendale, committed to keeping our customers rolling safely on premium tyres. Our experienced technicians will help you select the right tyres for your driving needs and budget, while providing expert installation and maintenance. Stop into our shop anytime for tyre inspections, rotation, balancing, puncture repairs, and more. We carry the full range of Goodyear tyres for cars, 4WDs, trucks, and specialty vehicles. You can count on Brendale Goodyear for everything related to your tyres.
FAQ:
✓How often should I inspect my Goodyear tyres?
It’s recommended to inspect tyres at least once per month, before long trips, and any time you suspect an issue like vibration. Check tyre pressures as well to ensure proper inflation.
✓What is the minimum tread depth for safe driving on Goodyear tyres?
Goodyear specifies that tyres should be replaced when tread depth reaches 1.6mm. Legal limits vary, but generally 1.6mm is the minimum for safe wet weather handling.
✓How can I tell if my Goodyear tyres need to be replaced?
Key indicators are tread depth of 1.6mm or less, visible tread wear indicators, bulges, cracks wider than 2mm, punctures over 6mm, and 6+ years of use. Anytime unusual wear or damage is spotted, have a tyre shop inspect.
✓If my Goodyear tyres have uneven wear, what may need service?
Uneven or premature tyre wear can indicate the need for wheel alignment, worn suspension components, or improper tyre pressure. Have a mechanic inspect these systems if uneven wear is caught early.