Saudi Arabia spans a vast area of over 2.1 million square kilometers, boasting some of the longest highways and commercial routes. The road network in Saudi Arabia extends over 70,000 kilometers, including thousands of kilometers of expressways connecting cities and administrative regions. In this context, trucks are considered the most effective means of transport on Saudi roads for commercial goods and logistical connections. However, hazardous environmental conditions, primarily due to extremely high temperatures, as well as sand and dust storms that cause visibility loss and significant problems for drivers maintaining their lanes, pose considerable risks. According to statistics from the National Traffic Safety Center, 23% of traffic accidents in 2022 were caused by tire failures, such as sudden blowouts and severe skidding, in addition to issues related to suspension and braking systems. These high percentages underscore the urgent need for meticulous inspection procedures before embarking on any commercial truck journey, especially since the projected annual accident costs could exceed one billion Saudi Riyals, including repair costs, compensation, loss of productivity, and losses from delayed goods and logistical transport.
And we (Darbk Company) as a leading truck tire company in Saudi Arabia, are committed to raising awareness and providing clarity to all drivers, technicians, and owners of large logistics fleets. This commitment aligns with the company's vision, which includes providing the best truck driving experience on commercial roads in Saudi Arabia, and striving to contribute to reducing the rates of devastating accidents that claim lives and incur significant financial losses, severely impacting social welfare. Thus, we fulfill our role as a leading company in community, humanitarian, and national service.
Readers might question the significance of these articles that discuss tire inspection, clarify preventative measures, and detail essential emergency equipment to avoid accidents. We can address this question in the following few lines: Major accidents in trucks, cars, and airplanes all originated from a minor issue or a simple malfunction in components that might seem insignificant to the driving process. However, their perceived insignificance to driving does not negate their potential danger to the truck if it suffers from a defect, malfunction, or fire. Here, we shed light on both minor and major tire issues to provide drivers with a complete picture and foster a deep understanding of the danger posed by any sign of damage or abnormal wear. This is particularly important for tires because they are the primary component of the truck that makes contact with the road and dictates its direction and maneuvers. Losing control of the tires due to any malfunction means losing control of the entire truck, including the cargo, the driver, and all other interconnected parts. This is a compelling reason to concentrate efforts on tires, foster public awareness about tire inspection, and enhance preventative measures within the driving community, reflecting significant progress aligned with Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030.
Over 23% of truck accidents on Saudi roads are caused by preventable tire failures through regular inspection. This is a statistic that cannot be overlooked in an environment marked by extreme temperatures and sandstorms that hinder visibility and increase risks.
Technical Tire Inspection
Tires are the only component of a truck that directly touches the ground, making them susceptible to damage, wear, and even combustion due to high temperatures and intense friction. This makes daily inspection not a negotiable option but a mandatory duty for all drivers and personnel in the logistics transport sector. The following inspections are listed in order of importance and priority.
Tire Pressure
Air pressure inside tires is the primary means of supporting the truck's weight and full load, making it a critical factor for the truck's smooth and normal operation. It's crucial to remember that air pressure inside tires follows the ideal gas law, meaning tire pressure fluctuates directly with temperature changes, both positively and negatively. For instance, a ten-degree Celsius increase in temperature raises the pressure by 2-3 PSI, which highlights the risk of tire blowouts due to temperature variations. In Saudi Arabia, temperatures can vary by approximately 20 degrees Celsius between night and day, causing tire pressure to experience significant fluctuations overnight. This necessitates daily checks by drivers to ensure it maintains a safe level, while also monitoring temperatures in the truck's travel area to adjust pressure as needed based on expected temperatures and the operating environment.
It is important to be aware of and adhere to the technical recommendations provided by truck and tire manufacturers, as doing so can prevent many potential problems and devastating accidents.
- For heavy trucks (10 wheels or more): the pressure should be around 100-110 PSI for front tires... and 90-100 PSI for rear tires, depending on the load and its weight.
- As for trucks operating in sandy environments: it is advisable to reduce the pressure by 10-15% to increase the contact area and friction with the ground, thereby preventing the truck from getting stuck. However, we recommend not reducing the pressure beyond the manufacturer's specified percentage.
Furthermore, smart devices such as wireless tire pressure monitoring systems (TPMS) can be utilized. These systems send direct alerts to the driver in the cabin if any sudden change in tire pressure occurs. Additionally, other systems integrated with cruise control can automatically adjust pressure during long journeys.
Tread Depth
The tread design plays a crucial role in draining water between the asphalt and tires, as well as clearing desert sand, mud, and other obstacles. However, tread performance varies depending on its type, design, and intended use. For flat environments and paved roads, a ribbed tread is preferred as it reduces noise and helps drain water quickly, significantly improving truck stability on the road. In sandy, gravelly, and construction environments, a block tread is better, offering much higher traction and excellent resistance to strong impacts. There are many different types, each suited for its specific operating area. In this context, we commend Darbk Company's efforts in developing and designing specialized treads for the diverse environments in Saudi Arabia, which is considered one of the most varied and changing environments. This necessitates providing a special design that mimics the environments where work is concentrated in Saudi Arabia. This achievement is not surprising for Darbk Company, whose journey has always been marked by remarkable technical achievements and creative solutions at all levels.
Relying solely on the naked eye for this inspection is insufficient; a tread depth gauge, which operates electronically to measure tread depth and wear, must be used. Some modern tires come with integrated wear indicators that appear when the tread depth reaches an unacceptable level. A tread depth of 3 mm generally appears normal, but if the depth falls below that, tires become susceptible to skidding or hydroplaning. In rainy areas or where there are floods and running water on the streets, driving on such tires is a dangerous indicator of negligence regarding general safety conditions and procedures.
Tread depth can be maintained for longer through various preventative measures, depending on other truck components. For example, imbalance and misalignment in the suspension system increase tread wear, as does uneven wear on a tire's edge due to sudden braking, which accelerates overall tire consumption. Generally, choosing tires with a tread pattern suitable for the truck's operating environment significantly reduces problems caused by poor or incompatible treads. Therefore, it's essential to know the available types and their designated environments. Alternatively, you can save time and order from Darbk Tires, and they will ensure the appropriate tires are delivered to you more smoothly and with less hassle.
Wear Patterns
In the world of heavy transport, tire wear is not considered normal or merely a natural consequence of road use. Instead, it's akin to a technical language that reveals much about a truck's mechanical condition, how it handles the road, the effectiveness of tire response in this process, and the driver's or maintenance team's adherence to preventative and precautionary measures. All of this is understood by analyzing different wear patterns, which manifest as various forms of a tire reaching the end of its life. But why did this tire fail prematurely?! This question remains the primary driver for analyzing wear patterns. Through analysis, we can identify the root causes of the problem and correct them before they lead to irreparable damage. Now, let's delve into the types of wear and what each one signifies.
Shoulder Wear
This wear pattern can be observed on both sides of the tire surface, while the central part of the tread maintains its normal thickness. It typically appears in heavy trucks, especially those operating on long commercial routes or carrying massive loads that exceed the tires' specified capacity. But what causes this unusual wear?
Potential Causes of Shoulder Wear:
First: Misalignment of Front and Rear Wheels:
This causes a misalignment called (Toe Misalignment), which means the longitudinal angle of the tire is off, causing the tire to point either inward or outward, whereas the normal condition requires the tire to be aligned parallel with the other tires without deviation or splay. This complex defect can lead to slight lateral slipping of the tires as they rotate, which in turn creates abnormal friction, causing severe wear on the outer or inner shoulders of the tire. Therefore, it is essential to use a mirror to inspect the inner sides of the tires and assess their wear condition, as they are out of sight but still affected.
Second: Underinflation of Tires:
This drop in internal tire pressure can lead to excessive overloading of the tire shoulders, causing the shoulders to bear the brunt of the load while the center of the tire remains in good condition. This accelerates wear on the shoulders while the tire's center remains relatively intact. This is one of the most dangerous issues for commercial trucks, as it can lead to them veering off course due to a tire blowout, or skidding because the tire cannot maintain the truck's grip on the road, among other horrific losses that we hope no one experiences.
What preventative measures should drivers take to avoid tire shoulder wear?
- Regular Calibration: Drivers should perform a specialized inspection to check tire angles, followed by adjustment and calibration to improve alignment using advanced systems like 3D Wheel Alignment. This should be done at least every 10,000 kilometers, or if any issues are observed with driving behavior, fuel consumption, or visible damage. It's crucial to note that this inspection is recommended to be carried out in accredited workshops specializing in heavy-duty vehicles and commercial trucks to ensure high accuracy in calibration and alignment results.
- Tire Rotation: Our research into expert opinions on this matter indicates a strong recommendation for tire rotation every 12,000-15,000 kilometers. This distance, of course, depends on the operating environment, tire type, and conditions. This procedure helps distribute wear evenly across all front, rear, inner, and outer wheels, particularly for trucks with two-wheel or four-wheel drive systems.
Center Wear
This type of wear differs from the previous one in that it preserves the tire's sides while wearing down its central area, hence the name "center wear." It is a key indicator of incorrect air pressure or an unsuitable tire type for the typical load, which can make tires prone to daily blowouts, skidding, and breakdowns.
Potential Causes of Center Tire Wear:
1. Excessive Air Pressure:
When internal pressure is too high, the tire becomes narrower, and the contact patch with the road shrinks, concentrating pressure on the tire's center. This makes it more prone to wear, specifically accelerating wear in this central area. The risk escalates on uneven roads or when hitting potholes at high speeds, where a tire blowout or severe damage becomes a significant possibility.
2. Using an Incorrect Tire for the Load:
Tires come with specific load ratings indicated on the sidewall. If the tire is not suited for the load, it cannot properly distribute the weight across all tread contact points. This mismatch leads to accelerated center wear, causing the tire to wear out quickly, reducing its lifespan, and increasing replacement and maintenance costs.
What preventive measures should drivers take to avoid center tire wear?
- To prevent center wear, it is recommended to check tire pressure daily, specifically in the morning and before any journey. This is particularly important for commercial trucks operating in hot regions or those used for long-distance trips between cities and countries.
- Always install tires that match the appropriate "load index" for the truck and its cargo. This index must correspond to the gross weight on each of the truck's axles to ensure excellent tire balance, which in turn reduces fuel consumption and provides a smooth driving experience.
- It is recommended to use modern digital pressure gauges for greater accuracy when checking tire air pressure. Remember not to check them during high temperatures, during trips, or under direct sunlight, as this will lead to inaccurate readings and significantly increase the tire's internal pressure.
Cupping Wear
This pattern is specifically characterized by alternating high and low spots on the tire tread surface, making the tire appear wavy or noticeably uneven. Drivers can detect this while driving through recurring vibrations at a specific rhythm, accompanied by repetitive noise. These symptoms confirm that the tire is experiencing a form of excessive wear, the causes of which we will now explore.
Potential Causes of Blocky Tire Wear:
First: Suspension System Damage
This is a primary cause of this type of wear, resulting from a malfunction in the suspension system, specifically in the shock absorbers or springs. When the truck's movement is not properly and naturally absorbed, pressure rebounds irregularly onto the tires, leading to repeated impacts on the road surface, which causes wavy blocky wear.
Second: Tire Imbalance
Tire imbalance can lead to irregular wheel rotation, increasing pressure on specific tread points and contributing to a blocky wear pattern. This significantly shortens the tire's lifespan, and in severe cases, renders the tire unusable, requiring immediate replacement to avoid legal issues or horrific traffic accidents.
Third: Wheel Axle Damage or Malfunction
This can cause blocky wear, as any malfunction in the wheel axle or wheel bearings can prevent the wheel from rotating smoothly and regularly. This results in what is known as irregular blocky wear.
What preventive measures should drivers take to avoid blocky tire wear?
- Conduct a comprehensive periodic inspection of the suspension system, especially shock absorbers and springs, every 20,000 kilometers, or if any unusual vibrations are noticed.
- Perform tire balancing after every new tire installation, or every 10,000-15,000 kilometers, depending on operating conditions and tire type.
- Inspect wheel axles and bearings to ensure there are no problems or unusual grinding or humming noises. It is recommended to adopt a periodic preventive maintenance strategy at specialized workshops that understand the changes in the Saudi climate and operating environment.
Tire wear patterns are not just signs of a tire reaching the end of its life; they are a technical language that reveals the truck's condition and behavior on the road, giving us the opportunity to understand malfunctions before they turn into disasters.
Vehicle System Inspection
Brake System
The brake system is a strategic partner to the tires. The inspection process begins with the air brakes, by checking the air pressure within the system, which uses cylinders and air compressors to provide adequate pressure. The operating pressure should not be less than 100 PSI. Next, the braking efficiency is tested by measuring the stopping distance required for the truck to stop, which should not exceed 3 meters when braking from 40 kilometers per hour. The final part of the inspection involves the brake cylinders and rods; you must ensure their movement does not exceed 2.5 cm during braking. Exceeding this limit indicates damage to the cylinders.
Suspension System
The suspension system is the primary link between the truck and the wheels, so it must be inspected periodically to ensure the truck's strength and continued operation. The inspection begins with the shock absorbers, which we discussed earlier. This is done through a rebound test: press down on each corner of the truck and then release it. If you observe more than two rebounds, the shock absorbers need replacement. Then, inspect the springs for cracks and abnormal bends, especially in air springs.
Steering System
The electronic gyroscopic steering system is crucial in modern trucks, and any sensor malfunction can lead to resistance in the steering wheel or an unexplained deviation in the truck's direction. It's also important to check the hydraulic fluids; ensure the oil level is adequate and its purity is still high, as cloudy oil indicates pump damage.
Lighting System
The lighting system is arguably the most critical system at night, requiring special attention. Headlights need their lenses cleaned of dust and dirt, and the light angle must be adjusted to avoid sharply blinding oncoming drivers. As for side and rear signals, ensure they are working day and night and replace any burnt-out bulbs.
Vehicle system inspection is not just a routine procedure; it's the first line of defense against sudden breakdowns. Brakes, suspension, steering, and lighting are not separate components but an integrated safety network that protects lives and ensures operational continuity.
Conclusion
Regular and consistent truck inspections significantly reduce daily stress for drivers, alleviating fears of breakdowns and issues. In Saudi Arabia, with its diverse climatic conditions and varying work environments, continuous maintenance, inspection, and prevention are essential to ensure the best driving experience, maintain community safety, and enable the truck to perform its assigned tasks with maximum efficiency.
