Is Wire Showing On Tire Dangerous? How To Deal With It

By David Barlow
Last updated: Nov 27, 2022
Is Wire Showing On Tire Dangerous

When you see wire showing on tires, it’s natural to panic and think the worst. But don’t worry – you can do a few things to address the issue and get your car back on the road. 

In this post, we’ll outline the most common reasons, what to do if you encounter this problem, and how to prevent it from happening again.

What Causes Wires To Show On Tires?

Following are the primary reasons causing wire showing on tires. By knowing them, drivers are more likely to avoid this issue in their cars.

The Tires Have Been Used For A Long Time

Wire showing on a tire is one of the many signs that it needs to be replaced. Tires have a lifespan, and the tread will eventually wear down. 

If you see worn tires and wire showing on them, take them to a professional to have them assessed. They may be able to patch the tire, but in most cases, they call for a replacement. 

Out of Alignment

When your vehicle’s wheels are in improper alignment, they point in the same direction. However, if your wheels are misaligned, it can cause several problems. 

Wheel alignment issues can cause premature tire wear because the tires do not contact the ground evenly. One side will be worn down faster than the other, causing wires on the tires.

Camber Wear

While camber wear is often caused by driving over uneven surfaces, it can also result from incorrect tire inflation. 

If your tires are not properly inflated, they will have more contact with the road on one side than the other. This can deteriorate the tread prematurely, resulting in a visible wire-like pattern on the tire’s surface.

Overinflation

Wire showing on tires might be a sign of overinflation. Uneven tread wear is a possible outcome, with the center being worse than the edges. The tire becomes stiffer as a result. 

Frequent Underinflation

Like overinflation, underinflation also contributes to the wire-like patterns on tires. 

When a tire is underinflated, the friction between the sidewalls and the road increases, putting more pressure on these parts and leading to overheating. Over time, the tread tends to separate and show off wire patterns. 

What Does It Mean When There Are Wires Showing On Your Tires?

Wires showing on tires is never a good sign. It means your tire is severely worn out and needs to be retired immediately. The wires indicate uneven wear, poor alignment, or a tire that is not balanced or properly installed. 

Bad tires with cords showing will not operate fully and adequately, and there is a danger of them blowing out because of loss of control. So, how long can you drive on tires with wire showing? Actually, if you see wires on your tires, they need immediate retirement. Then, preparing a spare tire is necessary.

The steel belt of your tires can also get exposed, which is another reason to renew them as soon as possible. Exposures can lead to leaks and other problems. So, if you see wires on your tires, make sure to replace them right away.

The wires are there to provide reinforcement and structure to the tire. When they are exposed, it means that the tire can no longer properly support the weight of the vehicle. This matter can lead to a blowout, which can cause serious damage or even injury. 

In addition, exposed tire wires can easily become tangled in debris on the road, which can cause the tire to lose air pressure or even come off completely. 

What Can You Do With Wire Showing On Tire?

What Can You Do With Wire Showing On Tire

There is no good fix for a tire with wires showing. The danger of using such a tire is not worth the risk. The best action is to go to the nearest tire shop and have tire experts replace the tire as soon as possible. 

Is it safe to drive on tires with wires showing? No, driving on tires with wires is extremely dangerous and should be avoided at all costs to minimize the chance of accidents. Whether it’s sunny, rainy with wet roads, or any other road conditions, driving on tires with exposed wires is the worst choice you can make.

In some cases, uneven tire wear can be fixed by shaving off the cupping with a special machine, leaving a like-new treaded surface. 

However, this will only work with uneven wear and not when the wires are already showing. 

What To Do To Care And Maintain Your Tires?

Here are a few basic tips that can prolong the life of your tires and ensure that they perform at their best. 

  1. Check the correct tire pressure regularly and keep your tires inflated to the recommended PSI. 
  2. Have your tires rotated every around 5,000 miles to help evenly distribute wear and tear.
  3. Check your alignment if you notice your car pulling to one side while driving. That can cause premature tire wear. 
  4. Avoid driving on rough roads or in potholes when possible. These can damage your tires and lead to a blowout.
  1. Don’t overload your vehicle beyond the manufacturer’s recommended weight limit. This action will put undue strain on your tires. 
  2. Inspect your tires regularly for any damage, such as cracks, bulges, or bald spots. These need to be repaired or replaced as soon as possible. 

By following these simple tips, you can help ensure that your tires last longer and perform at their best.

Metal Wires showing on my Tire?

In Conclusion

We hope this article has helped you understand what causes wire showing on tires and, more importantly, what you can do about it. It is important to keep your tires in good condition to last longer and provide better safety while driving. 

Be sure to share this information with others who may find it helpful, and stay safe on the roads!

David Barlow

Automotive Experts at World Tire Review

Hi everyone, I’m David (Tireguy). I believe that finding tires can lead to a lot of confusion and frustration for almost every driver. That’s why I would like to bring my experiences and knowledges to develop World Tire Review blog, it will give people a deeper understanding of what choosing the right tire is really like!