Are the tires on your diesel truck any good? At Hendrix Auto Diesel in Scottsville, KY, we want you to be able to spot the difference between a good tire and one that needs to be replaced. Here’s a quick guide on what to watch out for.

Bald Tread

If your tires are completely bald, they’re already past due for replacement. The general rule is no lower than 2/32 of an inch - an upside-down penny stuck in the tread should show Lincoln’s head partially obscured.

Bald Tread in Particular Spots

Tread doesn’t always wear evenly. If the tread is only worn down the middle, on the edges, or only on the inside edge, it can be less noticeable than when the whole tire is bald. When the inner tread is the only place your tires are wearing, there’s a good chance the tread from a glance looks fine; the outer tread might be in good shape, while the inner tread is wearing through unnoticed.

Knots/Broken Belts

Knots and broken belts are the results of inner damage to the cords in the tire. Sometimes a knot is obvious, a giant protrusion visible on the outside sidewall. If the knot is small or on the inner sidewall, it might go unnoticed, and like broken bands may only be detectable to the touch. A tire with internal damage might have perfect rubber, but you can feel the disfiguration by running your hands over the tire.

Road Hazards

Curbs, screws, nails, and other obstacles and debris can inflict damage on an otherwise good tire. Sometimes the damage is in a difficult to inspect the area, and otherwise, the tire might look just fine.

Dry Rot

A tire that has succumb to dry rot might have great looking tread depth but is still in need of replacement. If your tires appear oxidized or rough, dry rot has probably ruined your tire. Dry rot can occur if a tire has been in the sun too long, or if the tires are simply too old.

If you notice any of these conditions, have your tires replaced as soon as you can. It’ll save you from getting stranded on the side of the road with a blowout. In the next section, we’ll talk about the issues causing your tire problems, and what you can do about it.