Three main causes of tyre problems

Monday 20 March 2017

Avoid Tyre Problems with Better Tyre Knowledge

Road hazards like potholes, glass and nails and other objects are usually unavoidable. There are, however, three main causes of tyre problems that are avoidable: incorrect inflation pressure, speeding and overloading. Taking a proactive measure to avoid them will ensure safer driving and longer tyre life.

Under or Over Inflation

Tyres that are under inflated or over inflated can affect your tyre life, driving performance, comfort, handling and braking. Under inflation generates excessive flexing of the tyre casing, which results in overheating, increase of rolling resistance and premature wear. In extreme cases, under inflation can cause tyre damage. Likewise, over inflation can reduce tyre life, reduce grip and create irregular wear and can cause excess stresses on your cars suspension components. 

Under inflation of tyres here on the sunshine coast is more a problem as the number of round about used in our road network.

Driving at Speed

Driving at high speeds has a greater chance of causing tyre damage than at low speeds. If contact is made with a road hazard, it has a greater chance of causing tyre damage.

Driving at speed will cause a greater build-up of heat in the tyre, which can cause tyre damage and increases the wear rate of the tyre. It can also contribute to sudden tyre destruction and rapid air loss if the tyres are not properly maintained. Failure to control a vehicle if a tyre experiences sudden air loss can lead to an accident.  If you see any damage to a tyre or wheel, replace it with your spare tyre at once, then have it checked by a tyre specialist. This will alleviate any tyre problems.

Overloading

To ensure that your tyres are not overloaded, read the load index of your tyres, which is found on the tyre sidewall. Do not exceed the load capacity relative to this load index. Tyres that are loaded beyond their maximum loads can build up excessive heat that may result in sudden tyre destruction. Also follow your manufacturer’s loading recommendations.  Do not exceed the maximum axle load rating for any axle on your vehicle. You can find on most cars/SUV/4WD the recommended tyre pressure and load your tyres can carry on the tyre placard. This is usually found on the front driver’s door pillar. Some of the other places can be the glove box, inside the fuel flap, under the bonnet around the radiator support or next to the cars identification placard.

Inflation pressure.

It is air that carries the total load of the vehicle and passengers, so correct inflation pressure is essential to ensure the integrity of the tyre and the safe handling of the car.

Over inflation reduces the ability of the tyre to absorb road shocks, resulting in a much harsher ride. In fact, excessive over inflation may lead to impact fracture, or other casing failures. Over inflation will also cause excessive wear of the centre of the tyre. This will result in premature removal of the tyre. Check the tyre placard for recommended inflation pressures.

Pressures should be checked regularly, preferably monthly, when tyres are cold. Never reduce air pressure when tyres are hot from driving because it is normal for pressures to increase while tyres are hot. After checking pressures, ensure that valve caps are replaced as these are the primary seal. Use only metal-type valve caps as they are the best to give you the ultimate seal.

Under inflation is a frequent cause of tyre damage. Under inflation causes excessive flexing in the tyre, which builds up internal heat and may eventually weaken the casing. It will also cause rapid shoulder and irregular tread wear. Check the tyre placard for recommended inflation pressures.

What Is the Correct Tyre Pressure?

You can find on most cars/SUV/4WD the recommended tyre pressure and load your tyres can carry on the tyre placard. This is usually found on the front driver’s door pillar. Some of the other places can be the clove box, inside the fuel flap, under the bonnet around the radiator support or next to the cars identification placard.

However, to achieve the best performance and wear from your tyres, call the team All Coast Tyre Solutions Yandina and Maroochydore for recommendation of the right pressure for your driving conditions and load.

Generally, we recommend up to 4 – 6 PSI more then what the tyre placard. Why we do this is that the vehicle manufactures tyre pressures are only set for unloaded pressures and are more about the ride and comfort then what is best for your tyre life.