AN MOT mechanic has revealed a tell-tale sign of “dangerous” tyre damage, urging drivers to check their rubber.
Craig, from West Midlands-based Walsall Wood Tyre and Service, used TikTok to warn motorists that they could be at risk without even realising.
tiktok/@walsallwood_tyreMOT mechanic Craig urged drivers to look out for a key sign of tyre wear[/caption]
tiktok/@walsallwood_tyreMissing it could put you in severe danger[/caption]
Craig explained that your tyre could have been damaged if it was previously used while flat.
This comes down to the fact that tyres actually contain several layers of rubber forming an inner lining within the surface, which can collapse when pressure is lost.
He said: “How can I tell if a tyre has been run on flat?
“Well nine times out of ten it’s very obvious.
“If we look here on this one you can see this nice rub/scuff line all the way through the centre of the tyre.
“What’s happened is that the sidewall has fallen in on itself and the rubber material is being rubbed away by itself, so the sidewall itself becomes much thinner.”
According to Craig this can be checked relatively easily as the wall of the tyre will feel thinner to the touch just be squeezing it.
Likewise, it will often result in a thing line of scuffing or blistering in the rubber, which can be a key indicator.
If you see this, Craig advised urgently changing the tyre as it is dangerous and “could blow out at any moment”.
Blowouts, especially at speed, can easily cause a loss of control and lead to a nasty crash potentially leaving you in harm’s way or, at least, on course for some hefty repair bills.
Even if you don’t crash the potential damage to the wheel rim underneath the tyre could cost you hundreds of pounds to fix.
Instead, it’s much better to recognise the risk early and get your tyre changed.
This can be done at home if you have the know-how or professionally at most garages for around £50-70 per tyre.
It comes after a homeowner shared his parking space side hustle that nets him over £6,000 a year.
Five warning signs that your tyres need to be changed
Visible damage or deterioration
A bulge in the rubber
Uneven tread wear
Shallow tread depth
Regular loss of air pressure