The overall performance of any car depends largely on the quality of the mechanisms, one’s ability to handle it, etc. Along with that, the kind of tires you use also dictates the performance. Since the tires are the only parts that are in contact with a road, the quality and maintenance of them are of utmost importance. Optimum performance of an automobile can be expected only by maintaining correct air pressure and tread depth along with appropriate balance and alignment of the wheels. Hence, it is important to check your car tires regularly.

While a monthly check of tires is ideal, you might be required to check it more frequently, especially if you live in cold climates, have just driven it over potholes or debris, or if you regularly use the vehicle for long distance driving. It is also important to check your vehicle before and after a trip so that the inspections can be made before the problem becomes worse and puts you at a risk. Along with the inspection of tires, checking the suspension and the alignment of wheels also play an important role in tire safety. Picking nails or similar objects from your tire earlier can be easier, cheaper, less time-consuming, and safer. Problems arising from poor maintenance of tire can lead to premature wear of tires, a flat tire, or a blowout.

Some of the signs of tire wear that might help you identify any problems earlier with a visual inspection are:

• Over-inflation
  When the air pressure in the tires is more than the required limit, it causes the middle section of the tire to bulge, causing tread wear primarily in the center and less wear on the edges of the tires.
• Under inflation
  If the air pressure in the tires is lesser than normal, it causes the outer edges of the tire to come in contact with the road, creating tread wear on the edges of the tire and lesser wear in the middle portion.
• Treadwear on one edge
  When the alignment of the wheels is not alright, it will lead to wear of the tread only on one edge of the tires.
• Erratic tread wear
  If the wheel balancing is incorrect, it will lead to an abnormal pattern in tread wear. This is also called as cupping and may be caused by poorly maintained shock absorbers or other parts of the suspension.
• Sidewall
  If one of the belts has separated from its adjacent belt in a tire carcass, it causes a portion of the tread to be raised.

Few other problems that can be observed are:

Unusual vibration
Abnormal thumping noises or vibrations may be observed in tires in the following cases:

• A tire is out-of-balance
• The tread has a flat spot caused by locking of wheels during panic braking
• A tire has a separated belt.

One side pulling
An underinflated or damaged tire on one of the sides of the car may cause pulling of the vehicle to one side while being driven at a steady speed.