Many drivers face daily experiences and challenges in public and private transport lines, especially with regard to tires and their quality, which vary greatly from one company to another, with gaps in prices and tire ages in terms of working efficiently for as long as possible. Bus tires are considered consumer spare parts. The need for them has increased with the emergence of the public transport sector in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. With this rapid development that the Kingdom has witnessed after the assumption of His Majesty King Salman bin Abdulaziz, may God protect him, the pace has accelerated in the development of all sectors, especially traffic and transportation, because of the importance of these two sectors to complete the highest hospitality, which is the hospitality of pilgrims It is forbidden to make their way to it. That is why Mecca buses were created, which is one of the largest public transport systems in the world. Due to the importance of this system, we will highlight the most important things you need as a bus company owner, bus driver or bus passenger in these next few lines.
The emergence of the public transport sector in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
Public, private and school transport networks were created in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in the fourth decade of the last century. Major developments in traffic roads and the development of smart road maps contributed to the emergence of public transport lines through passenger buses (buses). Among the companies that have adopted the development of this field are the Saudi Transport Company (SAPTCO), starting with the introduction of modern buses to Saudi Arabia and increasing the number of passengers inside the bus. Among the companies participating in this field are Aramco Transport Company and other companies, thus accelerating the overall growth of the field of transport in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in conjunction with government contributions in hosting pilgrims, which is undoubtedly the most popular public transport line in the whole world today. This development continues, God willing, with the Kingdom's Vision 2030
The current types of buses in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia vary and hence the different sizes and sizes of tires allocated to each type of bus (bus). In the following table, we will learn about the sizes of tires used in the transport sector.
A table showing the tire size according to each type of bus:
ManufacturerBus TypeTire TypeTire MeasurementNotesSaudi Aramco Transport Company. Regular bus tires 295/80R22.5, 315/80R22.5, 11R22.5 are used to transport passengers within cities and between cities. Saudi Aramco Transport Company for school buses. Regular bus tires 285/70R19.5, 235/75715, 225/75R15 are used to transport students to and from schools. Saudi Aramco Tourism Bus Company. High-performance bus tires 295/80R22.5, 315/80R22.5, 11R22.5 are used to transport tourists on domestic and foreign trips. Saudi Aramco For transporting goods, regular bus tires, high-performance bus tires 315/70R22.5, 385/65R22.5, 13R22.5 are used to transport goods and goods between Cities. Public Passenger Transport Company (SAPTCO). Regular bus tires 295/80R22.5, 315/80R22.5, 11R22.5 are used to transport passengers within cities and between cities. Public Passenger Transport Company (SAPTCO) school buses. Regular bus tires 285/70R19.5, 235/75715, 225/75R15 are used to transport students to and from schools. Public Passenger Transport Company (SAPTCO) Tourist buses. High performance bus tires 295/80R22.5, 315/80R22.5, 1115/80R22.5, 1122.5 Used to transport tourists on domestic and foreign trips. The Public Passenger Transport Company (SAPTCO) is used for transporting goods. Regular bus tires, high-performance bus tires 315/70R22.5, 385/65R22.5, 13R22.5 are used To transport goods and goods between cities.Tire size
How does the climate in Saudi Arabia affect the efficiency of bus tires?
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is one of the countries that has a very difficult climate due to the surrounding desert, which naturally heats the air coming from the southeast and hence a significant rise in temperatures. This threatens vehicle tires, especially buses. They are on the road for a long period of day. The tire here is between two fires: sunlight that hits it directly and the heat of asphalt, which absorbs the heat of the sun. Therefore, many tire manufacturers have provided tires that can deal with these high temperatures
However, the environment of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is very diverse, so you will find snow falling in the northwestern region of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The temperatures there may be very cold compared to those in the central and eastern regions. Therefore, as a bus driver, you need high-quality tires and the ability to withstand high and low temperature changes
The best option and the best solution to such a problem is to choose Saudi-made tires, as the saying goes, “The people of Mecca know their people.” Moreover, Saudi companies are leading in the manufacture of tires that are resistant to changing temperatures and deal in practice with the Saudi environment. One of the most prominent companies today is Darbek, which has designed tires customized to the terrain and environment of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
What are the criteria for choosing the best bus tires in Saudi Arabia?
Choosing the right tires for buses and trucks may be difficult without knowing the main factors that you should keep in mind when searching for the right tire, which are arranged as follows:
Heat resistance: In light of the climatic conditions in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the significant effects of the changing temperature on tires, it is necessary to know the temperature that the tires withstand, which is written on the side of the tire in the form of a symbol (Temperature: A, B, C). In Saudi Arabia, choose the symbol A because it means that the tire can withstand a temperature of more than 115°
STRENGTH AND DURABILITY: The load of buses is between 40-80 passengers. Therefore, you need a tire that can withstand heavy weights for a long time while being able to withstand damage that may occur as a result of walking on gravel or being exposed to strong bumps.
Custom design: The design of the tread should correspond to the quality of the roads on which buses travel. It is essential that it be designed for dry and hot areas to provide you with high grip on the road.
Quality mark: On the tire tread, you can often find a label that identifies the quality of the tire in colors ranging from yellow to red, so make sure of the quality level of the tires in your hands.
Economic factors:A professional driver should consider buying a tire as a good investment in exchange for comfortable performance and long life. Therefore, do not buy cheap or used tires because saving money in buying tires means spending money in fixing performance problems caused by bad tires.
Winter tires or summer tires in Saudi Arabia?
As everyone knows, the winter season in Saudi Arabia passes quickly with a moderate drop in temperatures. The best choice for all citizens in Saudi Arabia is summer tires. These tires offer excellent performance throughout the year and are not affected by high temperatures due to the chemical compounds that make rubber, which make tires hard and durable with high temperatures.
As for residents of the northern regions, it is not recommended to buy winter tires because winter in Saudi Arabia passes quickly. As a bus driver, you cannot spend a lot of money on tires while not using them for a few months. Winter tires do not withstand high temperatures. They crack and deteriorate quickly, unlike summer tires. They are able to withstand normal temperatures and are suitable for all our regions in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
What does the fuel drain on the bus have to do with the quality of the tires?
The quality of the tires is directly related to the fuel consumption in the bus (bus) because wheel torque is considered a load on the engine. Therefore, if the tires are smoother on the road, the load on the engine is significantly reduced and driving becomes more comfortable for the driver and the bus engine. Among the points affecting the discharge of fuel are the following:
Rotation resistance: Tires with low rolling resistance significantly reduce fuel consumption because they do not require a high effort from the engine to move the bus (bus).
Suitable air pressure: To reduce resistance on the road, tires should be adjusted to a correct percentage of air pressure because increases and decreases affect tire friction with the asphalt road surface.
Equal wear: The even wear of the tires greatly maintains the distribution of the weight of the bus to the wheels, which means a very smooth acceleration from the parking point.
Streamlined design: Tires should have a tread designed in accordance with Saudi roads to reduce friction with the road surface and enhance the bus's aerodynamics and thus make it easier for the bus to move on the road.
The right pressure for bus tires
- AFor the right pressure Bus tires are a key element in maintaining driving efficiency and passenger safety and directly affect fuel consumption and quality of performance while on the move.
- excessive pressure It increases the stiffness of the tire, which reduces the area of contact with the road and negatively affects stability.
- low pressure It increases rolling resistance and causes the tire to overheat while traveling, which may cause internal damage or sudden explosion.
Therefore, it is important to check the pressure regularly using a reliable gauge, especially at the beginning of the day or before long trips. It is always advisable to refer to the bus manufacturer's instructions to find out the ideal pressure for each tire depending on the load, road type and operating conditions.
How effective are low-noise tires?
Low noise tires are a key element for many buses that operate in cities and on major transport lines because noise in the surroundings of the bus and inside the bus cabin. This noise results from the friction of tires against the road, making an annoying sound and reducing the efficiency of the passenger experience inside the bus (bus).
What is the mechanism of action of low-noise tires?
Low-noise tires use modern technologies based on the external design and internal structure of the tire, which is in this order:
Tread design: The tread design in low-noise tires is based on the distribution of grooves in a way that helps absorb the greatest amount of noise caused by tire contact with the road.
Internal composition: Layers of noise-absorbing materials are added and prevent noise from being bounced back into the wheel or bus chassis.
Cons and Pros of Low Noise Tires
Low-noise tires may have many attractive features such as driving comfort, raising the level of safety and reducing inconvenience to local residents. However, their disadvantages can be fatal to many bus drivers due to their high cost, wear faster than normal tires and other technical challenges, including the balance between noise reduction and high performance on the road. However, what gives great hope is the development in the modern tire development sector. Saudi Arabia, with its continuous vision, may have a good share of this expected development in the coming days and years.
New or used bus tires which is better
:The choice between new and used tires depends on several factors, including budget and type of use
- New tires It guarantees consistent performance and well-known manufacturing quality and often comes with a warranty that covers manufacturing defects. It also provides the best grip with the road and high reliability in different conditions
- But Used tires It is an economical option but needs a thorough inspection including the depth of the pattern, the integrity of the sidewall, and the absence of previous repair marks or visible cracks.
It is preferable not to buy used tires from unreliable sources. You should also ensure the correct production and storage date because the age of a tire has a significant impact on performance, even if it is not used yet. In general, new tires are the best choice for daily use and long distances, while used tires can be used as a temporary solution if they are in good condition and have been carefully inspected.
How to become a bus or truck driver in Saudi Arabia?
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is undergoing a technical and logistical boom in the public and private transport sector, especially with regard to bus projects that started in many regions of the Kingdom to include most of its areas today, including Riyadh, Jeddah, Qassim, Jizan, Mecca, the Eastern Province and linking Al-Ma'ir to Al-Ba'id. It is soon away and there is no longer a problem in traveling in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia through public transport and with a single ticket, the price of which does not exceed ten rials. Therefore, the need to hire bus drivers has increased, especially as the number of public and private buses for some companies in the Kingdom has reached eight thousand buses to transport passengers. This means that the growth of this sector continues with the need for it at the moment. In order to become a bus driver in Saudi Arabia, you should know the following. This information is shared by both bus drivers and truck drivers:
Terms you should know
These terms belong to all drivers, but bus and truck drivers should know them fully because many laws and violations relate to the following terms we will mention:
The driver: It is the natural person authorized to drive a bus or truck.
Periodic Technical Inspection Certificate: It is a certificate issued by a technical inspection center licensed by the Traffic Department to perform a comprehensive technical examination of the vehicle and issues a document that the vehicle passes the search requirements.
Single cargo vehicle: A single vehicle driven by automated power and designed to transport goods on roads.
The locomotive: It is the head of a truck (equipped with a traction tray) designed to tow a semi-trailer and is not equipped to carry weights except the part of the semi-trailer on it.
semi-trailer: A transport vehicle designed to be coupled to a locomotive by means of a traction tray and part of its weight is based on the locomotive.
The trailer: A transport vehicle whose design takes into account that no essential part depends on the locomotive or the individual cargo vehicle.
transport vehicle: single cargo vehicle, locomotive, trailer or semi-trailer.
The truck: Every single freight vehicle or individual cargo vehicle that pulls a trailer, locomotive, semi-trailer or any other permitted pelletizing on the road and is used to transport goods.
cargoes: The goods, equipment, goods, animals or other things that are not prohibited in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia are required by the carrier or the freight broker under the contract of carriage to be transferred from a consignee to a consignee.
General conditions for the admission of drivers
FirstApplicants for the job of bus driver are free from chronic diseases related to loss of consciousness, epilepsy and neurological problems.
Second: Stop working immediately in the event of any medical condition that prevents the driver from fully completing the driving task, such as fractures, wounds or surgeries.
Third: Obtaining a driver's license for trucks and you can obtain it from the concerned authorities in traffic departments, provided that it is approved internationally or within Saudi Arabia.
IV: Obtaining a professional driver's card from a vocational training center (check section 11 of the Driver's Guide).
Fifthly: Review and understand the safety manuals approved by the General Transport Authority and keep in constant contact with the Authority to find out all the latest evidence and information.
Skills a driver should have
Once you work as a bus or truck driver, you are trusted by passengers and customers. You must have sufficient skills for safe and fast driving to avoid delays, traffic accidents and violations. Therefore, try to have the following skills while driving:
- High concentration: Working as a professional driver has placed a great responsibility on your shoulders, so you should be at the highest level of focus and avoid engaging in anything that distracts you from the road, such as mobile phones and others. You are here between two situations, either driving safely and completing your mission or falling into a disaster that leads to money and lives.
- Willingness to drive: The human body gets used to certain sleeping habits and periods of time in which the body is most active. Try to have your working hours in the hours you are active and avoid working in the hours you usually sleep because this will make you drowsy throughout work.
- Drugs: Many medications, including allergy medications, cause drowsiness or dizziness, so make sure not to take any medication that causes drowsiness or dizziness before driving the bus.
- Refrain from stimulants: Too many stimulants will not give you a new activity. They will only keep you awake for a longer period, so avoid taking any stimulant drugs because they give you fake alertness without attention.
- Rest periods: Take short periods of rest through which you renew your activity and do not force yourself to work while you are tired. The law also requires drivers to comply with periods of work and rest as follows: (According to the regulations governing freight transport activity in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia:
- You may drive a maximum of nine hours in 24 hours and can be extended to a maximum of ten hours and only twice a week.
- The maximum weekly driving limit does not exceed (56) hours and no more than (90) hours during two consecutive weeks.
- You should stop for a rest period of (45) minutes every four and a half hours of driving.
- The daily rest period should not be less than eleven continuous hours from the end of the previous rest period.
- You must comply with daily and weekly driving and rest hours regardless of the number of trucks authorized to drive.)
- Pay attention to your food: Make sure to eat your meals at a certain time and that your meals are rich in fruits and vegetables because they reduce hunger and avoid fatty meals.
- Stay comfortable: While you are in the cockpit and behind the steering wheel, you should be well comfortable because the comfort of sitting and resting your back on the seat helps you keep driving without straining your shoulders and back.
How do you check truck or bus tires?
The driver of a bus or truck should know the correct ways to check tires and find out whether they are safe to drive on during a long journey or not. The driver's tasks to check the efficiency of tires are summarized in the following inspection steps:
- Theoretical examination and verification of any wear or damage to the surfaces of the tires.
- Some types of poorly made tires may cause loss of steering control (steering wheel).
- If you find any damage or swelling in the tires, never drive the vehicle until the defect is fixed.
- Make sure the tire size is consistent with the single axle size.
- In the case of double tires, make sure that there is no contact between the two tires. In the case of a single tire, make sure that there is no contact with the vehicle body.
The wear index in bus tires
The wear index is a sign built into the tire design that helps to identify the extent of wear. It appears in the form of small transverse lines inside the grooves when the surface of the tire becomes equal to these marks. This indicates that the tire has reached the end of its operational life and should be replaced.
Ignoring these indicators exposes the bus to the risk of slipping, especially on wet roads or in cases of sudden stop. It is important to monitor these indicators periodically and stay away from using worn tires, even if they look good from the outside because the remaining depth of the pattern determines the performance of the tire in different conditions such as rain, slopes or long distances.
Tips for safe driving on Saudi roads.
We urge drivers to follow traffic rules and regulations in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in order to protect lives and money and protect the rights of citizens. To achieve this, the bus or truck driver should focus on the following points:
Know your vehicle: The driver must keep the height and width of his vehicle and the maximum load in terms of weight and number of passengers. The driver must not exceed the permissible load limit.
Plan your trip: Plan any trip you make in terms of the time being appropriate and sufficient to reach the desired destination. On the other hand, make sure that your vehicle is mechanically ready for the next trip through a comprehensive daily inspection.
Risk of speeding: Make sure that 80% of accidents on the road occur due to failure to follow the speed limit of the road and failure to take into account weather conditions. Rain and torrents require you to reduce the speed of the vehicle.
Only you: A professional driver should drive his vehicle as if he were the only professional driver. He does not expect road users to make mistakes. Therefore, he should be careful and expect serious mistakes from other drivers and should not fail to leave a safe distance between him and them.
Stopping distance: You should know the stopping distance required for the bus or truck to stop from its current speed. In the following table, you will know the estimated stopping distance of your vehicle:
Speed (km/h) Distance traveled before reaction (meters) Distance traveled after reaction (meters) Stopping distance (meters)20 km/h 14 meters 9 meters 23 meters 40 km/h 26 meters 27 meters 53 meters 60 km/h 42 meters 56 meters 98 meters 80 km/h 56 meters 56 meters 102 meters 158 metersStopping distances
The best brands of bus tires in Saudi Arabia
There is no doubt that Saudi tires are the most suitable for Saudi weather as they are designed specifically for this weather. One of the rising companies in the tire manufacturing sector in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is Your path It seeks to provide all types of tires for trucks and vehicles of all types available in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, especially since basic materials and materials are subject to Saudi standards and therefore have high safety and unparalleled smooth driving.
