Let's face it, a car is more than just a way to get from A to B. It's a source of freedom, a family chariot, or even a weekend adventure mobile. But that freedom screeches to a halt when your tyres start talking – and not in a good way.
Australian roads can be tough on tyres. From scorching summers to unpredictable wet seasons, our tyres endure a lot. But how do you know when that rumbling or squeaking is just normal wear and tear, or a sign of a more serious problem?
Here at EverTyres, we want to help you understand the most common tyre noises you might encounter on Australian roads, and what they could mean:
The Whining Wonder: High-Pitched Whine
This persistent high-pitched whining is a common complaint, especially at highway speeds. The culprit? Most likely it's uneven tyre tread wear. Uneven wear can be caused by a variety of factors, including incorrect tyre inflation, misalignment, or worn out shock absorbers.
What to Do: Don't ignore it! Get your tyres inspected by a professional at EverTyres. We can diagnose the cause of the uneven wear and recommend solutions, which might include tyre rotation, alignment, or replacement.
The Groovy Groove: Low-Pitched Growling
If you hear a low-pitched growl that seems to increase with speed, it's likely related to your tread depth. Worn-out tyres with insufficient tread depth can create more road noise. In Australia, the legal minimum tread depth is 1.5mm, but for safety's sake, many experts recommend replacing your tyres when the tread reaches 3mm.
What to Do: Check your tread depth regularly. You can use a simple tread depth gauge, or visit EverTyres for a free inspection. If your tyres are nearing the legal limit, it's time to start shopping for replacements!
The Thump, Thump, Thump: A Rhythmic Thumping
This rhythmic thumping can be alarming, and often indicates something is stuck in your tyre tread. It could be a foreign object like a nail, screw, or even a piece of rock.
What to Do: Pull over safely and inspect your tyres for any foreign objects. If you find something lodged in the tread, don't try to remove it yourself. Bring your car to EverTyres and our qualified technicians can assess the damage and repair the puncture, if possible.
The Shuddering Scream: Vibration and Shuddering
If you feel a vibration in the steering wheel accompanied by a loud shuttering sound, it could be a sign of tyre imbalance. This happens when the weight distribution of your tyre is uneven, causing a wobble at higher speeds.
What to Do: Get your tyres balanced as soon as possible. Balancing involves adding small weights to the rim to ensure the tyre spins evenly. EverTyres offers tyre balancing as part of our standard service package.
The Screeching Symphony: Sharp Squealing When Braking
This loud, high-pitched squeal when braking is a definite cause for concern. It often indicates worn-out brake pads or damaged rotors. While it might be tempting to ignore it for a short while, worn brakes can significantly increase your stopping distance and pose a safety risk.
What to Do: Don't delay! This is a job for a qualified mechanic. At EverTyres, we can not only replace your tyres, but also perform a comprehensive brake inspection to ensure your safety on the road.
Remember: Ignoring strange tyre noises can lead to more serious problems down the road (pun intended!). If you're unsure about the cause of a noise, err on the side of caution and get your tyres checked by a professional.
Here at EverTyres, our friendly team is here to help! We offer free tyre inspections and can advise you on the best course of action to keep your tyres quiet and your journeys safe.