In a car tyre there are wires that are located under the tread. The wires are called steel belts that are made from steel and are used to reinforce the area under the tread. The steel belts provide puncture resistance and help the tyre shape to make the best contact with the road.
The belt’s system’s main function is to provide stability to the tire’s tread area, this contributes to reduce wear, and improve handling and traction. Steel is the best material used for the belt because it provides strength and stability to the tread area of the tyre. 
What can cause the wire in your tyres to show?
If your tyre has had an immense amount of wear and the tread has been shaved down significantly, this can cause wire or cords to become visible.
Overinflated tyres
If your tyre is over-inflated the tyre tread wear in the center of the tread pattern will become thin and shallow. Too much pressure will cause the contact patch to shrink and the middle of the tyre to carry most the weight. This can result in the tread wearing off in the center to the point that the steel wire begins to protrude.
Underinflated tyres
When a tyre is underinflated and the pressures are lower than specified it will cause the tyre tread on the edges to wear. Underinflation will cause the outside edge of the tyre to carry most of the load. This can cause the tread to wear thin enough on the edges, to the point that the wires begin to show.
Incorrect tyre alignment 
A wheel alignment adjusts the vehicle’s steering and suspension components, the system that connects and controls your motion of the wheels. A wheel alignment adjusts the angles of the tyres and their connection with the road. Your tyres will wear unevenly and prematurely if your tyres are not properly aligned. This can result in the tread wearing off and the steel belt wires protruding through.
Incorrect tyre alignment conditions
- Feather edge tyre wear: tyres become feathered when the tread is worn lower on one side of the tyre and higher on the other. This is can be caused by incorrect wheel alignment and excessive toe and caster.
- Heel/ toe tyre wear: this type of wear happens when one side of the tread blocks wears down more quickly than the other in a circumferential direction. It is often caused by the excessive positive or negative toe.
- One-sided shoulder tyre wear: this type of tread wear means the outside or inside shoulder rib of the tread is more worn than other ribs. This is also known as camber wear and is caused by excessive positive or negative camber. But, it should be noted, the leading cause of outer edge wear on modern vehicles is over-enthusiastic cornering.
What to do if the wire in your tyres is showing?
If the wires are showing in your tyres it means the tread level is at a dangerous level or nonexistent depth. The tread depth requirements for a tyre is 1.5mm. When the tread becomes shallow and thin it can expose the steel belt wires in the tyre that sit under the tread.
If the wires are exposed you should immediately get a new tyre, it can not be repaired, it needs to be replaced. Driving with a tyre that has the wire showing is unsafe and is endanger of blowing out. You will fail a Warrant of Fitness if your tyres have wire showing or have a below standard tread depth. To ensure the safety of yourself and others on the road make sure to check your tyres regularly.
Wire showing in tyres in Hamilton
If your tyres are showing signs of wear be proactive and get them replaced or checked out by a professional. At Grimmer Motors we will be able to repair or replace your worn tyres for you. We can provide reliable and honest advice that you can trust. So don’t take a risk on the roads with worn tyres and come into Grimmer Motors.