How to Determine if you have a broken belt in your tire

Ever wonder about a mysterious wobble in your car?

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• A few minutes to examine the tire.
• A band aid just in case!

1. You are driving down the road and out of the blue, Ker Bang, you hit a pothole. Now when you drive the car it seems to wobble or shake a bit.Hmmmm. Here is what you check.

2. Check the tires (all of them) by running your hand around the outside wall and the inside wall. If you feel a bump or a series of pricks, (that's what the band aid is for)chances are you have a broken belt. The tire is now no good and should be replaced.

3. I have found two tires on my car that have broken the belts after hitting a pothole or two using this method. Pot holes are not the only culprits, so if you run over a curb or other hard hits on your tires this is just a quick way to tell if it needs repaired or replaced.

Tips & Warnings

• You could prick your fingers or hand if too much pressure is applied as you run your hand around the tire if the belt is breaking through the tire itself.
• You will get dirty doing this.