If you’re pursuing a career as a mechanic, it’s likely that you’ll eventually be a vehicle owner’s first point of contact when it comes to seeking advice about the condition of their tires. While all vehicles are equipped with a durable, road-ready set of tires, just like the car’s other components, they won’t last forever. When tires experience wear and tear, they can compromise the safety of a vehicle, endangering drivers on the road, especially in adverse conditions. As a mechanic, it will be your responsibility to examine a vehicle’s set of tires, and determine whether they’ll need to be replaced.
After completing your mechanic training with ATC Cambridge, you’ll be equipped with the knowledge and practical skill set necessary to conduct repairs, perform routine maintenance and advise customers on matters regarding their vehicles. Below, prepare for your future career by learning more about the signs that a vehicle’s tires need to be changed.
After Mechanic Training, Examine the Tire Tread
After you become an auto mechanic, it’s important to note that examining the treads on a tire is one of the quickest and easiest ways to determine whether a tire needs to be changed. There are two ways you can use treads to see if a tire has come to the end of its life. The first is to measure the tread. This can be done using a gauge, which should never be below 1/16 of an inch, or using a penny. When the penny is placed head down into the tread, the head should disappear, but if it’s visible, the tire may need replacing.
Another way to determine the condition of a tire is to check the tread wear indicator bar. This is a newer feature that won’t be present in older tires. As the tire tread wears down, tread wear indicators will become visible, indicating that its time for a tire change.
Look for Sidewall Cracks
Another way to determine whether a vehicle’s tires need to be changed is by looking at the sidewall. During mechanic training, you’ll learn to spot small cracks, bubbles or other imperfections on the sidewall of a tire. If any of these blemishes are spotted, it’s a sign that a leak is developing, increasing the odds that a tire could blow out. This endangers drivers on the road, in addition to the cars around them. As a mechanic, it’s important to be able to recognise any sidewall issues, and immediately repair or change the tires to ensure the safety of your customers and the longevity of their vehicle.
Too Much Vibration is Never a Good Sign
As a mechanic, you may have customers entering your shop complaining of a vibrating sensation when driving. While there are many automotive issues that can cause a vibration, one of the most likely catalysts are worn or old tires. Tire vibration can indicate misalignment or imbalance between the tires, or it can mean that one or some of the tires are wearing down or damaged. Even if there are no signs on the tire, vibration can be a sign of an internal problem, causing further damage when customers continue driving. Whenever a customer enters your shop complaining of a vibration, it’s important to first check their tires, and then other components of the vehicle if nothing is found.
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