Know your tire problems: spot & fix them fast

Your tires are your car’s foundation. They take you everywhere, from your daily commutes to epic road trips. But over time, even the best tires can develop issues that impact safety, fuel efficiency, and overall performance. Whether it’s uneven wear or bald spots, knowing what’s wrong—and how to fix it—can save you from costly mistakes.

Let’s dive into the most common tire problems, what they mean, and how you can fix them to keep your car running smoothly and efficiently.

1.Uneven Crossed Wear

What It Looks Like:

Tires show diagonal wear patterns, often forming a crisscross pattern across the tread.

The Cause:

• Misaligned wheels.
• Failing suspension components.
• Uneven weight distribution.

The Fix:

Get your wheels aligned regularly and inspect the suspension system. Misalignment not only damages your tires but also reduces fuel efficiency, meaning you’ll spend more on petrol—something no driver in Malaysia wants, considering fluctuating Malaysia petrol prices.

2. Side Wear

What It Looks Like:

The edges of the tire tread are worn, but the center remains intact.

The Cause:

Driving with underinflated tires is the main culprit. Low pressure forces the tire’s edges to bear the weight of the vehicle, resulting in excessive wear.

The Fix:

Check your tire pressure monthly and inflate your tires to the manufacturer’s recommended PSI. Proper inflation not only extends tire life but also enhances fuel economy.

3. Middle Wear

• What It Looks Like:

The center of the tread is smooth and worn down, but the edges are untouched.

• The Cause:

Overinflating your tires creates a bulge, causing the center to carry the load.

• The Fix:

Use a reliable tire pressure gauge and stick to the PSI recommendation in your car manual. Proper inflation ensures even wear and maximizes safety.

4. Uneven Spot Wear

What It Looks Like:

Scattered patches of excessive wear appear randomly on the tire surface.

The Cause:

• Unbalanced tires.
• Faulty brakes.
• Damaged suspension components.

The Fix:

Have your tires balanced and your suspension inspected by a professional. Ignoring this issue can lead to uneven braking and reduce tire life.

5. One-Sided Wear

What It Looks Like:

One side of the tire is significantly more worn than the other.

The Cause:

Misalignment or suspension problems, such as worn control arms or ball joints.

The Fix:

Get your wheels aligned and inspect suspension components regularly. Remember, one-sided wear impacts handling and safety, especially on Malaysia’s winding roads.

6. Bald Tires

What It Looks Like:

The tread is completely worn out, leaving the tire smooth.

The Cause:

Tires have reached the end of their lifespan or are overused without proper maintenance.

The Fix:

Replace bald tires immediately. Driving on bald tires is a serious safety risk, especially during Malaysia's rainy season, as they lose grip on wet roads.

Why Tire Maintenance is Crucial in Malaysia

Failing to maintain your tires doesn’t just increase the risk of accidents—it also impacts your wallet. Here’s why tire care matters:

• Fuel Efficiency: Poorly maintained tires increase rolling resistance, meaning you’ll burn more fuel. This adds up when petrol prices in Malaysia fluctuate.
• Traffic Fines: Worn tires can lead to fines during inspections or roadblocks.
• Safety: Inconsistent tire wear compromises handling, braking, and overall safety, especially during heavy rainfall.

Pro Tips for Extending Tire Life

1. Rotate your tires every 10,000 km to ensure even wear.
2. Check your tire pressure monthly.
3. Keep an eye on tread depth; replace tires with less than 1.6mm of tread.
4. Avoid overloading your vehicle—it puts unnecessary strain on your tires.

How the Motorist App Can Help You

Managing your car’s maintenance doesn’t have to be a hassle. With the Motorist App, you can:

• Track your vehicle’s maintenance schedule.
• Avoid vehicle traffic fines with timely reminders for road tax and insurance renewals.
• Save money with accurate petrol price updates in Malaysia.
• Sell your car stress-free with a free valuation service.

Take Action Now

Don’t let tire problems drain your wallet or put you at risk. Stay on top of your car’s maintenance with the Motorist App—your ultimate driving companion in Malaysia.

Download the app today and drive smarter, safer, and cheaper.

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Download the Motorist App now. Designed by drivers for drivers, this all-in-one app lets you receive the latest traffic updates, gives you access to live traffic cameras, and helps you manage vehicle related matters.