2020 Jeep Wrangler Tire Issues: Diagnosis & Solutions

How to Fix Tire Issues on Your 2020 Jeep Wrangler

Dealing with tire problems on your 2020 Jeep Wrangler can be frustrating, especially when you're trying to enjoy its off-road capabilities or daily commute. Understanding the common issues and how to address them can save you time and money. As one owner shared, "Currently have Goodyear Duratrac which is the tires I bought the jeep with. Overall I feel indifferent about them but they are loud on the highway" (source). This guide will help you diagnose and fix common tire-related problems on your truck, based on real owner experiences.

Symptoms

Tire-related symptoms on the vehicle can manifest in various ways. One common issue is reduced performance in specific conditions, like driving on ice or snow. The tire choice directly impacts handling, and some owners have noted challenges in winter environments.

Another symptom is excessive road noise, especially at highway speeds. Certain tire models, while performing well in other areas, can generate significant noise, affecting driving comfort. If you notice a persistent humming or roaring sound that changes with speed, your tires could be the culprit.

Uneven wear is another important symptom. Pay attention to whether the tires are wearing more on the inside, outside, or center. Uneven wear can indicate alignment issues, improper inflation, or suspension problems. Addressing uneven wear early can extend tire life and improve safety.

Finally, a decrease in overall power and acceleration, especially after upgrading to larger tires, is a significant symptom reported by owners. This is because larger tires effectively change the vehicle's gear ratio, requiring more engine power to maintain the same speed. "There’s no power in it, I was down shifting to 3rd at times on the highway just to barely go the speed limit up hills. It was okay with 31” tires but once I went to 33s it became useless" (source).

Most Likely Cause

The primary cause of tire-related issues with your truck often boils down to tire selection and condition, particularly when it comes to performance in different environments. The wrong tire choice for the conditions can significantly impact traction and handling.

Tire pressure and condition are also crucial. Over or under-inflated tires can lead to uneven wear, reduced fuel efficiency, and compromised handling. Regularly checking and maintaining the correct tire pressure, as specified in your vehicle's manual, is essential.

Alignment and suspension issues are significant contributors. Misalignment can cause uneven wear, leading to premature tire replacement. Problems with the suspension components, such as worn bushings or ball joints, can also affect tire wear and handling. As one owner noted, "Death wobble can be anything touching the front axle. Tires need balanced, caster and alignment set, all bushings in good shape, including ball joints, bearings, control arms, track bar, and all steering components (tie rods and drag link)" (source.

How to Diagnose

Diagnosing tire problems involves a combination of visual inspection, pressure checks, and performance observation.

1. Visual Inspection: Start by visually inspecting the tires for any signs of damage, such as cuts, bulges, or embedded objects like nails. Pay close attention to the tread depth and wear pattern. Uneven wear can indicate alignment issues or improper inflation.

2. Tire Pressure Check: Use a reliable tire pressure gauge to check the pressure in each tire. Compare the readings to the recommended pressure listed on the tire placard (usually located on the driver's side doorjamb) or in your owner's manual. Adjust the pressure as needed.

3. Tread Depth Measurement: Use a tread depth gauge to measure the tread depth at various points across the tire. If the tread depth is below the legal limit (usually 2/32 of an inch), it's time to replace the tires.

4. Balance Check: If you notice vibrations or shaking while driving, the tires may be out of balance. Take the vehicle to a tire shop to have the tires balanced.

5. Alignment Check: If you notice uneven wear or the vehicle pulls to one side, it may be an alignment issue. Take the vehicle to an alignment shop for a professional alignment.

Tools needed:

• Tire pressure gauge
• Tread depth gauge
• Jack and lug wrench (for tire removal)
• Wheel chocks

Step-by-Step Fix

Addressing tire problems often involves either repairing the existing tire or replacing it. Here's a step-by-step guide for both scenarios.

Tire Repair (Puncture in Tread):

1. Safety First: Park the vehicle on a level surface, engage the parking brake, and use wheel chocks to prevent rolling.

2. Locate the Puncture: Identify the puncture location in the tire tread.

3. Prepare the Tire: Use a tire plug kit to repair the puncture. This typically involves inserting a rubber plug into the hole.

4. Insert the Plug: Follow the instructions on the tire plug kit to insert the plug into the puncture.

5. Trim Excess: Trim any excess plug material flush with the tire surface.

6. Inflate the Tire: Inflate the tire to the recommended pressure.

7. Check for Leaks: Spray soapy water around the repair area to check for leaks. If you see bubbles, the repair may not be effective, and you should consult a professional. As one owner reported: "Not a big deal, we have a spare for a reason. I can see the nail and it’s in the tread, not the side wall….but I thought I had the locking lug nut on the spare and don’t have the key for it" (source.

Tire Replacement:

1. Gather Tools and Equipment: You'll need a jack, lug wrench, spare tire, and the vehicle's owner's manual for the correct jacking points and lug nut torque specifications.

2. Loosen Lug Nuts: Before lifting the vehicle, use the lug wrench to loosen the lug nuts on the wheel you're removing. Turn them counterclockwise.

3. Jack Up the Vehicle: Consult the owner's manual for the correct jacking points. Position the jack securely and lift the vehicle until the tire is off the ground.

4. Remove Lug Nuts and Wheel: Fully remove the lug nuts and carefully pull the wheel off the hub.

5. Mount the New Tire: Align the spare tire with the wheel studs and push it onto the hub.

6. Install Lug Nuts: Hand-tighten the lug nuts in a star pattern (opposite nuts first) to ensure even pressure.

7. Lower the Vehicle: Slowly lower the vehicle until the tire touches the ground.

8. Torque Lug Nuts: Use the lug wrench to torque the lug nuts to the specification in the owner's manual. Use a torque wrench for accuracy.

9. Final Check: Double-check the lug nuts after driving a short distance to ensure they remain tight.

10. Get Alignment: It's a good idea to get your alignment checked after tire replacement to prevent uneven wear.

Addressing Handling Issues in Snow/Ice:

1. Lower Tire Pressure (Slightly): In snowy or icy conditions, slightly reducing tire pressure can increase the contact patch and improve traction. However, don't lower it too much, as this can damage the tires. As one owner mentioned: "Maybe going down to 15 would have helped but it’s not like 25 vs 33 is gonna do anything here. It’s not like you see Jeeps with K02s in the ditch all the time, this is just a combo that wasn’t gonna resolve itself." (source.

2. Consider Winter Tires: If you frequently drive in snowy or icy conditions, consider investing in winter tires. These tires have a special tread pattern and rubber compound that provide superior grip in cold weather.

Parts and Tools Needed

• Tire plug kit
• Spare tire
• Jack
• Lug wrench
• Torque wrench
• Wheel chocks
• Tire pressure gauge
• Tread depth gauge

Real Owner Costs

The cost of addressing tire problems varies depending on the issue and whether you choose to DIY or go to a shop.

Tire Repair (DIY):

• Tire plug kit: $10-$20
• Total cost: $10-$20

Tire Repair (Shop):

• Patch/plug: $20-$40

Tire Replacement (DIY):

• Cost of one tire: $150-$300 (depending on size and brand)
• Total cost: $150-$300

Tire Replacement (Shop):

• Cost of one tire: $150-$300
• Mounting and balancing: $20-$40 per tire
• Total cost: $170-$340 per tire

Alignment (Shop):

• Wheel alignment: $75-$150

These costs are estimates based on data from owners. Actual costs may vary depending on your location and the specific services required.

Prevention

Preventing tire problems involves regular maintenance and careful driving habits.

• Regular Tire Pressure Checks: Check and adjust tire pressure at least once a month, and before long trips. Use a reliable tire pressure gauge and follow the recommended pressure listed on the tire placard or in the owner's manual.

• Regular Tire Rotation: Rotate your tires every 5,000-7,000 miles to promote even wear.

• Wheel Alignment: Have your vehicle's alignment checked and adjusted as needed, especially after hitting a pothole or curb.

• Inspect Tires Regularly: Visually inspect your tires for any signs of damage, such as cuts, bulges, or uneven wear.

• Avoid Overloading: Do not exceed the vehicle's load capacity, as this can put excessive stress on the tires.

• Drive Carefully: Avoid aggressive driving habits, such as hard braking and sharp turns, which can accelerate tire wear.

What Owners Say

Real experiences from JEEP owners:

Owner Experiences

"Maybe going down to 15 would have helped but it’s not like 25 vs 33 is gonna do anything here. It’s not like you see Jeeps with K02s in the ditch all the time, this is just a combo that wasn’t gonna resolve itself." — AGMiMa (source)

"The weight of the chassis isn't on the wheels, the whole vehicle was being cradled by the snow. If that was the case, there's only two ways out, and neither involve your tires." — river_tree_nut (source)

"If that was the case, there's only two ways out, and neither involve your tires. You either dig out the chassis, or get pulled off the packed snow underneath." — river_tree_nut (source)

FAQ

Q: How long does it take to fix a tire puncture?

A: Repairing a tire puncture with a plug kit can take as little as 15-30 minutes if you're doing it yourself. A shop might take a similar amount of time.

Q: Can I drive with a nail in my tire?

A: Driving with a nail in your tire is not recommended. It can cause the tire to deflate rapidly, leading to a loss of control. It's best to replace the tire immediately. As one owner experienced: "Then the guy asks where the nail is, and I show him on a tire in the shop. He tells me the outside/inside tread is still considered sidewall and shows me a diagram where only the center 3” or so is repairable" (source.

Q: Is uneven tire wear a common issue?

A: Yes, uneven tire wear is a relatively common issue, especially if the vehicle's alignment is off or if the tires are not properly inflated. Regular alignment checks and tire rotations can help prevent uneven wear.

Q: DIY vs mechanic - what's recommended?

A: Simple tasks like checking tire pressure and plugging a small puncture can be done DIY if you have the necessary tools and knowledge. However, more complex tasks like tire replacement and alignment should be left to a professional mechanic.