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A bald tyre on a car with visible wear and tear

How To Tell If Your Tyres Are Bald - Signs To Look Out For

Are your car’s tyres still in good shape?

Bald tyres can be a serious safety concern, as they can compromise your vehicle’s grip on the road, especially in wet or slippery conditions.

How can you tell if your tyres are bald, and what should you do if you find they are? Let’s find out.

What Are Bald Tyres?

Bald tyres are tyres that have very little or no tread left.

Tread is the pattern of grooves on the surface of a tyre that helps to grip the road and channel water away.

When tread becomes worn down, tyres become less effective at gripping the road and more likely to skid.

Signs Your Tyres Might Be Bald

Squealing Or Skidding Tyres

Bald tyres are more likely to squeal or skid when braking or accelerating.

If you’ve noticed that your car makes an unpleasant noise when coming to a stop or taking off, it might be a sign of bald tyres.

Reduced Traction

Bald tyres have less traction, meaning they may not grip the road as well as tyres with good tread, which can be especially dangerous in wet or icy conditions.

If your car feels less stable on slippery surfaces, your tyres could be the culprit.

Increased Fuel Consumption

Bald tyres can cause increased fuel consumption because the engine has to work harder to move the car.

If you’ve noticed that you’re making more frequent trips to the gas station, it could be a result of your tyres losing tread.

Uneven Tyre Wear

If your tyres are wearing unevenly, it could be a sign that your tyres are bald or that your car has a problem with wheel alignment.

Uneven wear patterns can indicate that your tyres are not making proper contact with the road, which can lead to baldness.

What To Do If You Have Bald Tyres

Replace Your Tyres

If your tyres are indeed bald, it’s time to invest in new ones. Quality tyres with good tread are essential for maintaining control of your vehicle and ensuring your safety.

Alignment Check

If your tyres have worn unevenly, it’s a good idea to get a wheel alignment check. Proper alignment can extend the life of your new tyres and improve your vehicle’s handling.

Regular Maintenance

To prevent future balding, make sure to schedule regular tyre maintenance, including rotations and balancing, as recommended by your vehicle manufacturer.

Professional Inspection

If you’re unsure about the condition of your tyres or have concerns about their safety, have them inspected by a professional mechanic.

Conclusion

Understanding the signs of bald tyres and knowing how to recognise them is essential for every responsible driver.

Keeping an eye out for warning signs can help ensure your tyres are in optimal condition, providing you with the confidence and control needed for a safe driving experience.

Louis from Tyre Geek

Louis

I'm Louis, an engineer passionate about helping Australians choose better tyres for their vehicles!