How to Remove Rocks From Tire Tread
by Shae HazeltonYou want your car to look its best from its layers of polish down to its tires. One of the few things that detract from the look of your vehicle is when you get small pebbles lodged in the tread of your tires. Stray pebbles caught in your tread can also put unnecessary stress on your tires. Thankfully, removing those little pebbles is an easy task you can complete the next time you wash or maintenance your car.
Step 1
Park your car in a level lot. Jack up the front side of your vehicle. Wedge wood blocks against the back and front of the rear tires of your vehicle to prevent it from rolling.
Step 2
Water down your tires to help lubricate the stones. The water makes it easier to pry the pebbles out of the tire tread.
Step 3
Dig into your tire tread using a wooden Popsicle stick. Do not use any metal items, or you run the risk of damaging your tires. Wedge the stick between the pebble and the tread wall. Wiggle the wooden Popsicle stick until the pebble emerges from the tread. Rotate the tire so that you get the pebbles on all sides of the tire.
Step 4
Switch to the next front tire and repeat the same steps. Insert the Popsicle stick into the tread and pry the pebbles out with it.
Step 5
Lower the front end of your vehicle and jack up the backside. Wedge wooden blocks in the front and back of the front tires to prevent rolling. Wet the tires and use a Popsicle stick to pry out pebbles. Lower the back end of the vehicle.
Step 6
Rinse the tires thoroughly after you finish removing the pebbles. Collect the loose pebbles and dispose of them somewhere far removed from your car tires.
Tips
- You might need to use several Popsicle sticks when removing pebbles. Have at least 10 handy when you start the project. No matter how many Popsicle sticks break while you remove the pebbles, do not give in to the temptation to use a stronger metal object. That can cause more harm than good and leave you with a damaged tire.
Things You'll Need
- Jacks
- Wooden blocks
- Popsicle sticks
Warnings
- Be careful anytime you jack up your car. Gently rock the car once it is resting on the jacks to ensure it is secure. Do not place any part of your body under or around the tires of the car until you ensure the jacks are holding securely.
- Wear goggles to protect your eyes from flying pebbles. Sometimes the pebbles come out of the tread with force, and they might fly at you.
Writer Bio
Shae Hazelton is a professional writer whose articles are published on various websites. Her topics of expertise include art history, auto repair, computer science, journalism, home economics, woodworking, financial management, medical pathology and creative crafts. Hazelton is working on her own novel and comic strip while she works as a part-time writer and full time Medical Coding student.