Can a Lack of Driving Affect My Tires?
Due to the ongoing pandemic, many car owners were forced to park their vehicles for months. Naturally, this makes car owners wonder how the lack of driving will affect their vehicles’ tires. After all, anything that’s left idle for too long can suffer from damages.
Will my car tires be damaged due to inactivity?
Of all the parts of your car, the tires suffer the most wear and tear on the road. So when it’s used less, such level of damage will also decline. However, this doesn’t mean that your car tires are safe from this risk.
When left unused for long periods, your car tires will suffer from the following problems:
Flat spotting
This is the most common problem when you leave your car still for long periods. The portion of the tire that meets the ground flattens and conforms to the ground surface.
Such flat spotting will vary in severity, depending on how long you fail to use your vehicle. The weight of your car will also affect the risk of flat spotting.
The weather and temperature where you parked your car are also factors to consider. Harsh conditions will make flat spotting even worse.
The good news is that flat spotting is easy to prevent. Even if it’s just forward and backward, moving your car in the garage will help avoid this problem. The goal is to change the tire surface that gets in contact with the ground once in a while.
Tire bubble
Another potential scenario is tire bubble. Tires that are unused for too long can develop unseen bubbles on parts where the rubber is already thin. Take note that driving a tire with bubbles is hazardous as it can burst on the road.
Unfortunately, tire bubbles can’t be repaired. The affected tire must be replaced to prevent road accidents.
It’s crucial to inspect your car tires often if you can’t drive them regularly. Rolling the tires back and forth even at a short distance will help prevent this damage.
Material deterioration
Premature tire deterioration will occur if you fail to move your car for months to years. As the wheels carry the stationary weight of the car, they will soon deflate, become warped, and ultimately rot.
Such deterioration will be much faster if your car is stored outdoors. The weather, shifting temperatures, and other elements will damage the rubber material of your tires.
If you have not driven your car for too long, it’s best to have the tires inspected first. This is to ensure your safety, especially on long trips.
To avoid tire deterioration, it’s important to move your vehicle from time to time. You should also check the tire pressure to ensure that it’s in tip-top shape.
Conclusion
Lack of driving for long periods will cause serious damages to your car tires. It can be challenging to avoid, given the travel restrictions related to the pandemic. Remember that tires in poor condition should never be driven. It’s best to avail of inspections and replacements if necessary.