Improving Your CarImproving Your Car

If your car is beginning to drive differently, it could be a number of different problems, but the first place you should look is your tires. Your tires are what your car runs on all the time, so if you're feeling vibrations, rumbling, or other things while you drive, it may be due to the tires. Tires that are flat, are low, are worn unevenly, or that don't have any tread on them at all can all cause your car to drive differently. Read on for tips to know if it's time to repair or replace your tires.

Vibrations

If your car is vibrating while driving, it is usually due to the wear on your tires. Get out of your car and take a good look at your tires. Look at them from the back and from the sides. If you can see the tread is worn more on the outer edges, inner edges, or down the middle, it's a problem. This happens for a number of reasons, one of which is when the tires are inflated improperly or unevenly. If the tires are too worn down, you'll need to replace the tires. If they aren't worn too badly, you can check the tire pressure and have your tires balanced and rotated and also get an alignment on your car to help the tires wear evenly.

Noises

Noises with your tires are usually due to a broken belt inside the tire or due to a flat. You can look at your tires and see if they are flat or use a pressure gauge to check the pressure in the tires. If there is a broken belt, you'll need to have your tires inspected by a professional. If you have a flat due to damage in the tire, you can usually have the tire repaired, but if it is from a broken belt, the tire should be replaced. Continuing to drive on flat or broken tires can lead to other issues with your car and with your other tires - all of which can be costly.

Problems Stopping

If you are having problems stopping, it could be a brake issue, but it may also be a tire problem as well. Tires that don't have enough tread on them will make it difficult to stop and also difficult to drive in different weather conditions such as snow and rain. Check the tread using a penny upside down. Place the penny with Lincoln's head down in the tread. If you are able to see all of his head, the tread is worn down and the tires should be replaced.

If your car is making noises or is driving differently, your tires may be to blame. Get your car to your local tire shop to have them looked at and repaired or replaced to prevent further damaging your tires or car, and to prevent injury to you or others. For more information, contact a local tire replacement service shop.