Why a tire loses its shape
A curved tire, an eight-shaped tire, or a bagel-shaped tire - these phrases from a tire fitter are feared by every driver. There can be many reasons for this, but they are all related to tire operation. By understanding why this can happen, you can avoid it in the future.
The reasons for tire deformation can be hidden in a car malfunction or in the tire itself. First of all, it is necessary to exclude the influence of possible car malfunctions. If you see that the tires on one axle are worn only on the inner or outer zones, then it's worth checking the wheel alignment or toe-in. If the tire is worn in spots or diagonally, then this is a reason for a more in-depth diagnosis of the car's suspension.
If your car is in good condition, then it's worth taking a closer look at your tires. When inspecting the tire, if you see uneven wear, there is a certain order of further actions to identify the cause. First of all, you need to check the pressure. If the tires are worn in the middle of the tread, this may be due to excessive pressure. In this case, the tire tread becomes rounded. If the tread is worn on the edges, this is due to low pressure or excessive load if you are transporting passengers or cargo. In this case, the central part is bent inward, and the entire load is on the edges of the wheel.
Sometimes you can see bumps or bulges on the sidewall of the tire. If there is one protrusion, it is likely that you hit a pothole with your wheel. It is necessary to carefully inspect this area. It is best to remove the tire from the rim and inspect the tire from the inside. If you see cracks or tears, the tire carcass was damaged at these points. The tire carcass consists of a large number of intertwined threads made of a special material. The carcass is the main element that holds the pressure and load. Where it is torn, all the pressure is held only by the layer of rubber, and the tire can burst at any moment. Operating such a tire is dangerous, it's better to replace it with a new one. In some cases, you can see such bulges along the entire circumference of the sidewall. The reason for their occurrence is the same - the destruction of the carcass along the entire sidewall. Such extensive destruction can occur with long-term operation of the tire with very low pressure. You can see inside such a tire the crumb from friction and torn carcass threads. Such a tire also needs to be disposed of.
If your tire is no longer suitable for operation for some reason, then first of all, you need to understand the reason for this and eliminate it. During car operation, it is necessary to monitor its condition and check the tire pressure. Regular inspection of the external condition of the tires will allow you to identify problems at an early stage and avoid throwing away tires.