Check tires regularly for damage such as cuts or bulges, especially on the side surfaces. Periodically remove the wheels and remove all dirt from the outer and inner surfaces. Inspect wheel rims for corrosion and other damage. Light alloy wheels are easily damaged by hitting curbs while stopped: steel wheels can easily be dented. Very often, due to serious damage, there is nothing left but to replace the wheel with a new one.
When installing new tires, they need to be balanced, but due to tire wear or the loss of balance weights attached to the wheel rim, it may be necessary to rebalance. If the tires are unbalanced, they wear out faster and the same applies to the steering and suspension components. Wheel imbalance is usually accompanied by vibration, especially at a certain speed (usually around 50 mph). If this vibration is felt only through the steering, then it is likely that only the front wheels need to be balanced. If the whole car vibrates, then the rear wheels may be unbalanced. Wheel balancing should be done in a workshop.
1. Tread Depth - Visual Check
Tires fitted at the factory of the car have wear indicator strips (IN), which become visible when the depth of the tread grooves is reduced to approximately 1.6 mm. The position of the strips is marked with a triangle (A) on the side of the tire.
2. Tread Depth - Manual Check
Another way to monitor tread wear is to use a simple and inexpensive device known as a tread depth indicator.
3. Check tire pressure
Regularly check the pressure in the tires, which should be cold. Do not adjust tire pressure immediately after a ride, as it will give wrong result. Tire pressures are shown on the next page.