What Does Tire Damage Look Like? Warning Signs Drivers Should Know

COMMON TYPES OF TIRE DAMAGE

• Tire bubbles (sidewall bulges): A raised lump on the side
• Low tread (worn tires): Smooth or bald surface
• Dry rot (cracking): Small cracks in the rubber
• Exposed cords (plies): Visible threads or wires
• Heat rings: Dark circular band from overheating
• Alignment wear: Uneven treadwear patterns
• Punctures and cuts: Nails, holes or slashes in the tire

When it comes to tire damage, most drivers aren’t sure what they’re looking at.

Is that crack dangerous?

Is that bulge serious?

Can I still drive on it?

Fact: many types of tire damage are easy to spot once you know what to look for–and catching them early can prevent a blowout or unsafe driving conditions.

A tire bubble, also called a sidewall bulge or impact break, is a bulge in the sidewall caused by internal damage, usually from impact.

What you'll see:

• A noticeable bump on the sidewall
• Smooth but uneven surface
• More visible when looking at the tire from an angle

What it means: This usually happens after hitting a pothole or curb. The internal structure of the tire is damaged, even if the outside appears intact.

What to do: A tire with a bubble is not safe to drive on. It can suddenly fail, so immediate replacement is recommended.

Low tire tread means the grooves are worn down, reducing traction and safety.

Tread is what helps your tires grip the road. When it wears down, your tire can look smooth or bald.

What you'll see:

• Shallow or barely visible grooves
• Smooth, worn surface
• Treadwear indicators, or small bars, becoming flush with the tread

Almost all passenger vehicle tires now include indicators.

You can perform the penny test to check if your tread is too low.

What it means: Low tread means reduced traction, especially in rain, and increased stopping distance.

What to do: If your tread is worn, it is time to replace your tires.

Dry rot is cracking in the rubber caused by age, heat or sun exposure.

Dry rot is also called weathering. It occurs when a material dries up and loses structural integrity.

What you'll see:

• Thin cracks spreading across the surface
• Rubber that looks faded, brittle or chalky
• Cracks that worsen over time

What it means: Your tire's structural integrity is compromised. Discount Tire does not recommend driving on a tire with dry rot.

What to do: Cracked rubber weakens the tire. If you see visible cracking, have your tires inspected or replaced.

Exposed cords are the internal layers of the tire showing or poking through worn rubber.

What you'll see:

• Threads, fabric or metal wires showing through
• Frayed or torn rubber
• Deep wear exposing inner layers

What it means: Your tire's structural layers are exposed. At this point, your tire is at a high risk of failure or blowout.

What to do: Do not drive on a tire with exposed cords. It requires immediate replacement.

A heat ring is a visible band on the tire caused by excessive heat and structural stress.

What you'll see:

• A distinct ring or band around the tire
• Discoloration compared to the rest of the rubber
• Often paired with other signs of stress or wear

What it means: Heat rings indicate the tire has experienced excessive heat, often from underinflation or overloading.

What to do: Discount Tire will not service or inflate tires with heat rings. These tires should be replaced.

Alignment wear is uneven treadwear caused by improper wheel alignment.

Alignment issues cause uneven wear patterns that look different from normal treadwear.

What you'll see:

• One side of the tread worn more than the other
• Feathering, where edges feel smooth one way but sharp in the other
• Patchy or angled wear patterns

What it means: Your wheels are not aligned properly, causing uneven contact with the road.

What to do: If your wheels are misaligned, you will need a wheel alignment service to prevent future issues. You may also need to replace your tires if the wear is severe.

Some Discount Tire stores now offer alignment services.