DARCARS Toyota of Baltimore

Feb 10, 2023

Healthy tires are vital for your safety. Modern tires are very strong and reinforced, but they will gradually wear down as time passes. As your Toyota dealer, we’d like you to know some signs that you may need new tires from your trusted tire shop in Baltimore, MD soon.

Toyota Tire Baltimore, MD

Your Tread Is Low

The tread is the raised section of your tires, and it’s separated by grooves. The tread enables your tires to grip the road surface when you’re driving. It also helps when you’re driving over mud, slush, or snow, and the tread forces the liquid away from the tires. The tread on your tires will gradually wear down due to abrasion.

As time passes, the tread will become smoother. As the tread flattens out, you’ll notice that your car’s grip feels slightly less sure than it used to. When the tread on your tires is reduced to a height of 1/16″, it’s time to change your tires. If your tires look worn, come into our service department, and our technicians will examine them. We can quickly replace worn tires for you, and you’ll drive safely again.

Your Tire Has a Bubble

A bubble is a raised section of a tire that bulges out. This bulge can occur on the tread, but it’s more common on the sidewall of a tire. The rubber on the sidewall is thinner than the tread rubber, and the sidewall doesn’t have the reinforcement that the tread has. A bubble is usually formed when a section of your tire is pinched against a solid object.

This damage can happen if you accidentally catch the sidewall of your tire against a curb. The impact doesn’t have to be great, but it pushes part of the tire into a bulge. A bulge in the tire is dangerous, as it’s filled with air, and the pressure inside the bulge weakens the rubber surrounding it. If you spot a bulge in a tire, we recommend getting your tire changed ASAP to prevent a blowout.

Your Cords Are Visible

Your tire tread is the only part of the tire in contact with the surface, and this causes it to suffer wear. The tread is reinforced by a thick steel band with supporting polyester bands beneath the rubber. This reinforcement helps to keep the tire stable and supports the rubber covering.

The reinforcing bands inside a tire are known as cords. Cords don’t provide any grip on the surface, but they can become visible if your tires are severely worn. If you can see any part of your tire’s cords, it’s time to change your tire immediately.

If your tires show signs of wear or damage, visit our service department today or browse our online tire shop now at DARCARS Toyota of Baltimore.