Safety Warning
DIY auto repair can cause serious injury, fire, or vehicle damage. These guides are for informational purposes only. Always follow OEM torque specs, wear PPE, and consult a certified mechanic if you are unsure. You are solely responsible for your safety.
Tires, Checking: Notes
Wheels and tires of the same construction and size should be used on the front and back. On vehicles with AWD, tires should also be of the same make and have the same tread.
Delivery Inspection
-- Check running surfaces and side walls for damage, remove foreign objects, if necessary.
Inspection Service
-- Check tire treads for cupping, feathering, one-sided tread wear, porous side walls, cracks, cuts, and rim damage.
Inform the customer of any damage found.
Tires, Checking Wear Pattern
-- The wear pattern of the front wheels can be used to assess whether a check of the track and camber is necessary:
- Feathered edges of the treads may indicate faulty toe adjustment.
- One-sided tread wear is mostly caused by faulty camber.
If such wear patterns are found, determine the causes by checking the wheel alignment (repair measure).
Tread Depth, Checking
- Minimum tread depth: 1.6 mm
This value may vary for individual countries due to different legislative regulations.
If the tread wear is close to the wear limits, inform customer and note findings on the repair order.
NO RELATED
Use the Manual With the Right Hardware
Pair factory procedures with proven DIY tools so the instructions are easier to execute.
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When to See a Mechanic
Stop DIY work and contact a certified mechanic immediately if any of the following apply:
- • You smell fuel, burning insulation, or see smoke.
- • Brakes feel soft, pull hard to one side, or make grinding noises.
- • The engine overheats, stalls repeatedly, or misfires under load.
- • You are missing required tools, torque specs, or safe lifting equipment.
- • You are not confident in the next step or safety outcome.