Common Causes of Tire Damage and How to Prevent Them
Tires are one of the most important parts of your vehicle, but also one of the most overlooked. They’re the only part of your car that actually touches the road, which means they face constant wear and tear from potholes, heat, debris, and even your driving habits. Ignoring your tires can lead to expensive repairs, reduced fuel economy, and, most importantly, safety risks.
At 5 Star Tires & Wheels in Oklahoma City, we see all kinds of tire issues every day. The good news? Most tire damage can be avoided with the right car maintenance advice and a few smart habits. In this article, we’ll cover the most common causes of tire damage, how to spot the warning signs, and what you can do to protect your tires for the long haul.
1. Underinflation and Overinflation
Let’s start with one of the most frequent and preventable causes of tire damage: improper tire pressure.
When your tires are underinflated, they flex more than they’re designed to. This creates excessive heat, wears out the edges of the tread faster, and increases your risk of a blowout. On the flip side, overinflated tires tend to wear out in the center of the tread and are more vulnerable to damage from potholes or sharp objects.
Tire protection tip:
Check your tire pressure at least once a month using a quality tire gauge. Follow the recommended PSI (pounds per square inch) listed on your vehicle’s door jamb, not the number printed on the tire itself. Make sure to check the pressure when the tires are cold, not right after driving.
2. Potholes and Road Hazards
Potholes are a tire’s worst enemy. In Oklahoma City, especially after storms or seasonal changes, road surfaces can deteriorate fast. Hitting a pothole at speed can cause your tire to bulge, separate internally, or even blow out on the spot.
Other common road hazards include broken glass, nails, sharp debris, and curbs—yes, curbs! Clipping one while turning or parking can tear sidewalls and throw off your alignment.
Tire protection tip:
Stay alert and give yourself plenty of time to react. Avoid road hazards when possible, slow down in construction zones, and don’t tailgate—you need enough space to see and steer around danger.
3. Improper Wheel Alignment
If your wheels aren’t aligned properly, your tires will wear unevenly—and fast. You might notice your car pulling to one side, a crooked steering wheel, or a vibration at higher speeds.
Misalignment doesn’t just damage tires; it can affect handling and safety too. Left unchecked, it can also stress your suspension and steering systems, compounding the cost of repairs.
Tire protection tip:
Get your alignment checked at least once a year or whenever you notice uneven tire wear or handling issues. It’s a quick, cost-effective way to extend tire life and keep your vehicle running smoothly.
4. Worn or Damaged Suspension Components
Your suspension system—shocks, struts, springs, and more—helps absorb impacts and maintain consistent tire contact with the road. But if these parts wear out or get damaged, it puts uneven stress on your tires.
You might not feel the issue right away, but over time, your tires can develop bald spots, scalloping, or edge wear patterns that shorten their lifespan.
Tire protection tip:
Have your suspension inspected regularly, especially if you hear clunking noises, feel excessive bouncing, or notice one side of your vehicle sitting lower than the other. At 5 Star Tires & Wheels, we specialize in suspension services that restore performance and help prevent premature tire damage.
5. Neglecting Tire Rotation and Balancing
Tires don’t wear evenly on their own. Depending on whether your vehicle is front-wheel, rear-wheel, or all-wheel drive, some tires carry more weight or torque than others.
Skipping tire rotations allows uneven wear to build up, which can shorten the usable life of your tires significantly. Similarly, unbalanced tires can cause vibration, faster wear, and even damage to your suspension and bearings.
Tire protection tip:
Rotate your tires every 5,000 to 7,500 miles, or as recommended by your manufacturer. Have them balanced at the same time to prevent vibrations and promote even tread wear.
6. Overloading Your Vehicle
Every vehicle has a weight limit, called the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR). Exceeding that weight can overload your tires, cause them to overheat, and increase the risk of blowouts.
Whether it’s moving heavy furniture, towing a trailer, or just carrying too much gear, overloading your car puts unnecessary stress on your tires.
Tire protection tip:
Know your vehicle’s load capacity and stick to it. If you regularly tow or haul heavy loads, consider upgrading to tires designed for extra weight—something we can help you with at 5 Star Tires & Wheels.
7. Aging Tires
Even if your tires look fine and haven’t hit their mileage limit, they might still be unsafe. Rubber naturally degrades over time due to exposure to UV rays, ozone, and temperature swings.
Most tire manufacturers recommend replacing tires every six years, regardless of tread depth, and absolutely by ten years, even if they’ve barely been driven.
Tire protection tip:
Check the DOT code on your tire’s sidewall—it includes the week and year the tire was made. If your tires are six or more years old, bring them in for an inspection. It’s better to be safe than sorry.
8. Driving Habits That Wear Tires Fast
Your driving style plays a major role in how long your tires last. Aggressive acceleration, hard braking, and fast cornering all contribute to uneven tread wear and increased tire stress.
Burnouts might look cool in a parking lot, but they can shave years off your tires—literally.
Tire protection tip:
Drive smoothly and predictably. Gentle acceleration and braking, combined with defensive driving, not only protect your tires but also improve fuel efficiency and reduce overall wear on your vehicle.
9. Using the Wrong Tires for the Season or Terrain
Not all tires are built for every condition. Using summer tires in the winter, for example, can make them stiff, brittle, and prone to cracking. Likewise, using standard passenger tires for off-road adventures is asking for trouble.
Tire protection tip:
Match your tires to your needs. If you regularly tackle off-road terrain or Oklahoma winters, consider switching to all-terrain or winter-rated tires. At 5 Star Tires & Wheels, we offer a wide range of tire options for all seasons and driving styles—our team can help you choose what’s best for your vehicle.
Be Proactive, Not Reactive
Tire damage isn’t just an inconvenience—it can be a safety hazard. The good news is, with regular maintenance and a few smart habits, you can dramatically reduce your chances of unexpected tire problems.
Make tire checks a part of your monthly routine. Pay attention to how your vehicle handles. Listen for warning signs. And most importantly, don’t wait until a tire blows out on the highway to start caring about your tread.
If you’re unsure about the condition of your tires or if you’ve experienced any of the issues we discussed, now is the perfect time to stop by 5 Star Tires & Wheels in Oklahoma City. Our experienced, honest, and skilled technicians will give your tires a thorough inspection and help you stay safe on the road.
Visit us today or call to schedule a quick tire check and get personalized advice on protecting your tires, your ride, and your wallet. At 5 Star Tires & Wheels, your vehicle is our priority—every mile, every day.