5 signs you need to replace your car tyres

It is a matter of time that your car's tyres begin to show visual signs of damage and you should look out for them.

With the high speeds on most roads in Dubai and the UAE, you always need to be mindful of the condition of your car tyres to stay safe. Having a flat tyre in the middle of your commute is no fun, so take note and avoid the painful stress of getting stranded.
There are many signals that your tyres need replacement, as their health deteriorates with every drive. Higher end tyres could cost you in the Dh5,000 range (Dh2,000 for more mid-tier brands), so it's also something to watch out for when looking to buy used cars in Dubai. Here are top signs to watch out for:

Tyre warning light turns on
For those with newer spec car models, keeping your tyres in check is a bit easier as these cars are often equipped with low tyre pressure warning systems. If the indicator shows a 'U' with an exclamation in the middle, it means that one of your tyres is under-inflated, which can be the root cause to a larger problem.

Decreased tyre tread depth
Low-pressure systems unfortunately cannot detect deterioration in your tyre's tread depth. This is the rubber layer of the tyre that touches the ground and provides traction on different surfaces. With wear and tear from use, the tyre tread melts away and the tyre becomes flatter over time, thus reducing its traction control and leading to dangerous skidding over the road. It is recommended to replace the tyres once they reach 3mm in depth to stay safe.

Cracks in the sidewall of tyres
It is a matter of time that your car's tyres begin to show visual signs of damage and you should look out for them. Cracks may begin to appear on the sides of the tyres, particularly in the heat of our summers that dries the tyres out. These cuts on the tyres may lead to air leaks or indicate a future tyre burst. Once you've detected them, you should get your tyres to the repair shop and think about getting them replaced as soon as you can.

Blisters or bulges
Your tyres are ageing with your car and with time, blisters, slits or bulges may start appearing on the exterior of the tyre. These are not necessarily visible but can cause leaks which will cause the tyre to deflate. This is another sign that the tyre is wearing out and needs to be changed.

Unusual vibration or sound
If you've been regularly driving a car, you will most probably know how much your car vibrates normally. Once you start feeling excess vibration, or hearing the tyres aggressively hum through your commute, you know they are nearing the end of their life.

Keeping a check on these signs will save you from a lot of trouble. Regular maintenance of your car is a definite must so that there are no unexpected car breakdowns in the scorching summer heat of Dubai. Even if you are looking to sell car in Dubai, the RTA will not pass the car for transfer of ownership if the tyres fail the inspection test. The inspection also requires tyres not older than four years, something to keep in mind when buying a used car in Dubai as well.

The writer is a growth hacker at CarSwitch.com. Views expressed are his own and do not reflect the newspaper's policy.
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