Dear Mike,
I have been experiencing an issue with my car that has me quite concerned. Lately, I have noticed that my back tires seem to be wearing unevenly and rather quickly. I am unsure as to why this is happening and would greatly appreciate your advice.
Sincerely,
Cheryl
Dear Cheryl,
Thank you for reaching out to me with your car concerns. Uneven and rapid tire wear can definitely be a cause for concern, but I have some great news for you – it’s likely a problem with your shock absorbers!
As you mentioned, the role of shock absorbers is to keep your tires firmly on the road. However, they do tend to wear out over time, just like the soles of your favorite running shoes.
So, here’s what’s likely happening: your shocks have become weak and aren’t effectively absorbing the bumps and abrasions of the road. This means that your tires are bouncing up and down more than they should, causing uneven wear and tear.
You might not even notice this happening inside your car, but it becomes glaringly obvious to others on the road. They might see your car bouncing around like a jackhammer and think you’re auditioning for a stunt driving role.
Now, here’s the most important thing to remember: if you replace only the worn-out tires without also replacing the shocks, you’re going to end up in the same situation in no time. Your brand new tires will quickly become worn out due to the continued bouncing.
So, make sure you replace both shocks at the same time (just like you wouldn’t walk around wearing just one new shoe). This will ensure that your car’s suspension is working the way it should, and your tires are firmly planted on the road.
But wait, there’s more! Replacing your shocks can actually give you some added benefits beyond just saving your tires. A new set of shocks can improve your car’s handling, make it feel smoother on the road, and even improve your overall safety on the road.
So, Cheryl, don’t let those unevenly worn tires get you down. Just head on over to Urban Automotive (the top rated shop in Oakville, in case you forgot) and have them take a look at your shocks. You’ll be back on the road with a smoother ride and longer-lasting tires in no time.
Until next time,
Mike Urban
P.S. Please don’t audition for stunt driving roles on the road – leave that to the professionals.