Safe Driving

Symptoms: vibration or shimmy

Diagnostic: tires out of balance OR steering & suspension system malfunction

• Tires that are out of balance can cause vibrations that lead to premature or uneven tire wear and unnecessary wear and tear on your vehicle's suspension.

Solution and advice:

• The solution could be as simple as rebalancing your tires.
• Visit your tire professional at the very first sign of vibration or "shimmy".
• If rebalancing doesn't eliminate the vibration, have the alignment and/or suspension system components checked.
• Tires should be balanced when they are mounted on wheels for the first time or if they have to be removed and remounted.

Symptoms: pulling to one side or poor steering

Diagnostic: poor alignment

Proper alignment is necessary for both even treadwear and precise steering. You need an alignment when you notice:

• Uneven front or rear tire wear
• Changes in your vehicle's handling or steering response (e.g., pulling to one side)

Solution:

Many vehicles today are equipped with rear suspensions that can be adjusted for alignment. If this is the case, your vehicle may need a "front end" alignment or a "four wheel" alignment, depending on the symptoms you are experiencing. See your local Michelin authorized tire dealer for an inspection.

Symptoms: poor handling

Diagnostic: tire damage that requires repair

• Most punctures nail holes or cuts up to ¼" confined to the tread may be repaired by a tire professional using industry-approved procedures.
• An on-the-wheel plug-only repair is not reliable and is dangerous because after a puncture the inside of a tire must be inspected.

Solution:

Visually inspect each tire for noticeable damage. If found, replace that tire with your spare and take your vehicle into your local authorized Michelin retailer for an inspection as soon as possible. If you cannot find any damage, either call for roadside service or drive immediately (and under the speed limit) to your closest tire retailer.