Check the tires regularly for damage in the form of cuts or bulges, especially in the sidewalls. Periodically remove the wheels, clean the inside and outside surfaces from dirt. Examine the inner side surfaces of the wheel rim for signs of rust, corrosion, or other damage. Lightweight wheels with alloy wheels are easily damaged when hitting a curb; steel wheels can also bend. Installing a new wheel is very often the only way to fix serious damage.
New tires should be balanced in the installed position, but may need to be rebalanced as they wear. Unbalanced tires will wear out faster, as will steering and suspension parts. Wheel imbalance is usually expressed by vibration, especially at some speed (usually about 80 km/h). If this vibration is felt only through the steering, then it is likely that only the front wheels need to be balanced. However, if the vibration is felt throughout the vehicle, the rear wheels may also be out of balance. Wheel balancing must be carried out at a service station.
Tread depth - visual inspection
1. New tires have tread wear safety strips (IN), which will appear when the tread depth reaches approximately 1.6 mm. Stripe positions are indicated by a triangular mark on the sidewall of the tire (A).
Tread depth - manual control
2. Tread wear can be monitored with a simple, inexpensive device known as a tread depth gauge.
Tire pressure monitoring
3. Check cold tire pressures regularly. Do not adjust tire pressure immediately after driving.
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