On long roads, between cities and international borders, massive trucks transport the lifeline of global trade. The strong link between their powerful engines and heavy loads is a simple tool called "tires." These circular rubber components are not merely a means of moving the truck; they are the primary element connecting the giant machine to the asphalt. Because trucks are among the most crucial means of commercial transport, many companies, since the dawn of tires, have strived to develop the fundamental compositions for tire manufacturing. History began to record the advancements in this sector as a breakthrough in human-made machinery. In this article, we will trace the evolution of truck tires throughout history and highlight their immense importance, focusing on answering common questions people ask about tires: When do they need changing? How can one choose the right tire? And many other questions sought by drivers, truck owners, and logistics fleets.
Taking a quick look at the beginning of tire discovery, we find that in the 17th century, trade flourished between countries, and horse-drawn carriages became one of the most important elements in commercial transport. Since these carriages were made of wood, they needed wheels made of stronger materials than wood to withstand the weights they carried. The first idea was to create wooden wheels covered with iron, but these were very rigid and uncomfortable when encountering bumps. In the following years of the 19th century, Robert Thomson began experimenting with pneumatic tires. However, the tire Thomson created was expensive and impractical. But years later, specifically in 1888, John Boyd Dunlop rose to prominence after making some improvements and modifications, and the pneumatic tire has remained in use to this day.
History of Tires in the World
In the 1930s, pneumatic tires known as "Radial Tires" emerged, designed by Michelin. This type of tire revolutionized the global logistics transport sector, especially for heavy trucks and massive construction equipment. However, radial tires didn't just appear out of nowhere; they were the result of previous experiments that began with the Scottish engineer Robert Thomson, who registered the first patent for the pneumatic tire. But, as is often the case, new inventions don't gain traction, especially since the production cost of Thomson's tire was very high, coupled with its limited applications.
More than forty years later, specifically in 1888, a new name appeared in the tire field: the veterinarian John Boyd Dunlop. His entry into tire manufacturing was somewhat unusual; the reason was that his son was struggling to ride his bicycle on hard, paved roads. Dunlop built upon Thomson's experiment and invented a pneumatic tire specifically for bicycles. In a way, this tire was very practical and suitable for bicycles, attracting many people to the product. Within a few years, Dunlop tires became popular and began to be used in carriages and later in small vehicles after proving their resounding success.
With the advent of large engines, the focus shifted to providing tires capable of bearing their weight. Gradually, as large trucks became common in land transport, the need for tire development became urgent. Engineers began using natural rubber as a primary material, but it lacked the necessary rigidity to withstand high pressure, despite its high flexibility. It required a certain degree of hardness. These issues led to the development of a new product called "synthetic rubber," which is simply natural rubber mixed with other solid materials to increase its hardness, make it wear-resistant, and capable of carrying heavy loads that 20th-century humans could only dream of transporting with such ease.
Innovative efforts continued until the mid-20th century. Manufacturers added new materials like nylon, plastic, and polyester, which were highly popular at the time and offered exclusive advantages such as high flexibility and extreme durability, making them resistant to tension and compression. Work also progressed on developing puncture-resistant tires and tires that could withstand loads even after losing air pressure (Run-Flat Tires). Here we are in 2024, and innovations continue in the world of tire manufacturing.
Stages of Tire Development Throughout History
Development StageTime PeriodSolid tires based on natural rubber.1900-1920Appearance of radial tires and increased efficiency.1930-1950Introduction of steel belt technologies to improve durability.1960-1980Use of digital technologies to design smart tires.1990-2020
Today's truck tires are no longer just rubber and air; they have become a complete mechanical world teeming with complex details and processes. The internal compositions of rubber have changed and are now reinforced with new materials, and precise sensors are added to continuously monitor tire condition. Perhaps truck tires have opened a wide gateway for the development of space vehicle tires, on which both (NASA) and (SpaceX) are working. The focus today is on providing tires suitable for the challenges of the harsh Martian environment and the lack of gravity, which has significantly advanced the tire manufacturing sector in terms of safety, security, and providing higher efficiency and better quality.
When Do You Need to Change Your Tires?
Truck tires operate under the harshest climatic conditions, at the highest pressure levels, carrying heavy loads, and traveling long distances. All these challenges demand high strength and endurance, which we may not have fully achieved yet. This makes tires a consumable item that must be replaced immediately upon damage or expiration. The prominent question in this context remains: Why Do Tires Expire?
Chemical Degradation Over Time
The rubber used in tire manufacturing contains chemical components such as oils, synthetic rubber, and carbon black compounds, which are the main constituents of almost all tires. Over time, these compounds begin to react with oxygen in the atmosphere and are affected by temperature changes on the road and in storage. Add to this the effects of humidity, which make the internal structure more brittle, less flexible, and less durable. The oxidation process continues within the tire components (and oxidation generally occurs in any carbon component), thereby weakening the ability of these components to perform their functional tasks. For this reason, companies have worked to determine an estimated lifespan, which is set based on specific tests conducted by the company. Good tires typically last between 5-7 years, but this period varies according to the conditions in which the tires operate, the driver's driving style, and the availability of regular maintenance.
Impact of Environmental Conditions and Daily Use
Naturally, the conditions tires are exposed to during driving critically determine their lifespan and ability to continue functioning. This is because tires are made of flexible materials that are affected by heat, humidity, and air. Heat can be considered the most damaging factor for tires, as it contributes to the breakdown of the tire's structure and the expansion of air inside, which increases pressure and leads to distortions in the tire's inner layers. This can cause the tire to deteriorate faster than others. Other factors include chemical reactions between rubber and oxygen, and continuous oxidation processes that severely corrode the tire and cause strong cracks. Although severe friction leads to wear of the outer tread, ultraviolet (UV) rays are more dangerous due to their effect on the outer rubber layers, which break down due to physical reactions from continuous exposure to UV radiation. Even when the tire tread appears relatively intact, tires exposed to these harsh conditions can be completely unsafe for driving on highways, especially with heavy loads or during long and international journeys.
Lifespan vs. Usage
A tire's lifespan can be considered the dividing line between the disintegration of its molecules and the continuation of their cohesion. Even with stored tires, age affects the materials regardless, rendering expired tires unsafe and prohibited for use on international and local roads. As previously mentioned, the internal materials wear down over a certain period, and this wear has visible consequences on tire performance and usability. Among the problems drivers face after a tire's expiration date is an increased rate of routine maintenance, as the tire becomes more susceptible to punctures and cracks. Over time, drivers experience a loss of full control over their tires due to rapid tread wear, resulting from the expiration of materials that protect the tread layer from quick deterioration. All these issues and obstacles make expired tires highly dangerous on the road, compromising smooth driving and weakening interaction with the truck, suspension system, and braking systems.
Table Illustrating the Impact of External Factors on Tires
Influencing FactorImpact on TireResult of DeteriorationOxidation and Chemical ReactionsRubber damage and loss of elasticity.Cracked structure and poor performance.Exposure to High HeatIncreased tire pressure and accelerated chemical reactions.Damage to internal composite layers.UV RaysBreakdown of the outer rubber layer.Increased surface cracks.Wear from FrictionSevere tread wear.Loss of stability and grip on the road.Improper StorageMaterial exposure to humidity or heat.Weakened overall tire structure and air leakage.
How to Check Tire Manufacturing Date?
Checking the tire manufacturing and expiration dates is one of the most crucial steps for maintaining safety and security. Furthermore, this step cannot be ignored by drivers as it could lead to a horrific accident for the truck, resulting in losses for the truck owner or logistics fleet. In this section, we highlight the significant danger of purchasing used and expired tires, which is akin to buying a horrific accident. This purchasing process is prohibited in Saudi Arabia, and engaging in it exposes both the seller and buyer to legal accountability. Below, you can follow these steps to determine the tire manufacturing date.
1. Look for the (DOT) Code
To check the tire manufacturing date, we start by looking for the (DOT) code, which stands for "Department of Transportation." This code is found on the sidewall of every tire and contains very important information for determining the tire's production date.
How to read the (DOT) code: The code usually consists of 11-12 characters, with the last four digits indicating the manufacturing date. For example, if the last four digits are (4202), this means the tire was produced in the 42nd week of the year 2002. The first two digits from the left indicate the week in which the tires were produced, while the last two digits from the right indicate the year, as follows: (2002=02) (2024=24) (2020=20), and so on for different years, noting that a year has 52 weeks.
Additional note: Before the last four-digit number, you might find letters or symbols that often indicate the manufacturer's "code" and tire type. Therefore, it is advisable to review how to read tire codes from the following article: (How to Choose Your Truck Tire?)
2.Checking the Tread Wear Indicator (TWI)
Every tire has a side protrusion known as (TWI), which is an abbreviation for "Tread Wear Indicator." Its function is to determine the level of tire wear, helping to identify the appropriate time to replace truck tires.
- How is the (TWI) indicator used?
This indicator appears as a protrusion on the tire's sidewall, making it easy to monitor. When the indicator's protrusion level is flush with the tire's surface, it is a strict indication that the tire must be replaced immediately. This is because the disappearance of the indicator means the tire's lifespan has ended, leaving only a dangerous period where the risk level is at its highest.
It is advisable to check this indicator regularly, especially on long journeys, as it significantly impacts tire performance during extended travel or in adverse environmental conditions. Drivers must carefully inspect this indicator to ensure safety while driving.
3.Inspect the tire's external markings
Understanding the condition of your tires isn't difficult, given the numerous external signs that are easily noticeable by simply inspecting the tires manually. Look for cracks, bulges, and any suspicious marks on the tire's outer casing. This process is highly important because visible problems are major issues that require immediate repair or tire replacement.
- Look for defects!
Check for side and internal cracks by running your hand over the tire. Tire leaks can be checked by placing the tire in a water bath, a very common method. If you notice many signs of cracking accompanied by air leakage, this requires quick intervention to avoid trouble.
- Uneven Wear
When inspecting the tread manually, you might notice some areas are smoother or thinner than others. Yes, this is called uneven wear, which occurs due to alignment issues or incorrect tire pressure. The problem might also be related to load distribution on the truck. Generally, uneven wear is one of the most dangerous tire problems because it creates a weak spot under pressure, which can lead to a sudden tire blowout. Therefore, drivers must pay attention to this to avoid uncontrollable problems.
How to Choose the Right Tires for Trucks?
Given what we previously mentioned about the effects of expired tires, and by understanding the evolution of tires worldwide, from the first "tire" to today, tires vary in their types and characteristics. Because trucks have also evolved to keep pace with modern technological demands, it is imperative for drivers to carefully choose the tires most suitable for their trucks and vehicles. For drivers to make the right decision, influential factors must be considered, in addition to defining the operating environment and the type of roads the truck will travel during its journeys. After all this, consider the sizes and measurements specified on old tires or in the truck's "catalogue," and at Darbk there are many types of tires and treads with different patterns and exclusive features. To facilitate the process of choosing the best and most suitable tires for your truck, you should consider the following points:
Firstly: Tire Type
The types of tires available in the Saudi markets vary, and each type is designed for a specific purpose. Here, we briefly review the most popular types that should be considered.
- All-Terrain Tires: This type of tire offers a high balance between performance on paved roads and rough terrain. Of course, here we mean slightly rough terrain, not mountainous or sandy roads, as those require specialized tires more capable of handling such challenges. However, for commercial transport trucks, this option is very suitable due to the flexibility it provides in dealing with artificial terrains, bumps, and so on.
- Winter Tires: In Saudi Arabia, there are many northern and coastal regions where temperatures drop significantly at night and during winter. This affects summer tires and tires designed for other conditions. However, if your truck or logistics fleet operates in those areas, winter tires are an excellent choice because they are resistant to snow and heavy rain; in fact, they are specifically designed for this. They are designed to provide high stability on roads with water and fluid drainage channels that create a very high contact patch, giving the tires excellent responsiveness in the harshest weather conditions.
- Off-Road Tires: This type of tire is clearly designed for rough roads, typically found in construction areas and building projects. They feature high flexibility and good shock and bump absorption, while providing high traction that reduces truck slippage.
Secondly: Consider the Required Load
This is one of the most important factors in choosing tires, because the primary purpose of trucks is to transport cargo safely from point to point. Therefore, drivers must consider the maximum load capacity of the truck and select tires that can handle corresponding weights. This ensures high stability for heavy loads and prevents the truck from veering off course. Generally, choosing tires that are compatible in size and load capacity improves the truck's performance on highways.
Thirdly: Choose Reputable Companies
When searching for tire companies in Saudi Arabia, one shining star stands out, offering the best authentic products that embody Saudi heritage, with designs and patterns customized for the Saudi Arabian environment. This company strives to provide the highest levels of quality and efficiency, along with annual warranties on the quality and performance of its tires. This warranty is a testament to the strength of Darbk Company's products.
Featured tires from Darbk Company:
- Thabat Tread: With unwavering stability, it quietly takes you to your destination. This high performance is accompanied by a unique tread design, giving it strong grip on flat roads. It is supported by a special system for expelling gravel from its grooves and crevices, with overlapping layers of natural rubber to give Thabat Tread strength and durability in the face of the harshest conditions.
- Khutoot Tread: The ideal partner for long journeys. With high strength and unique durability, we present "Khutoot Tread" as the perfect tire for travel between cities and neighboring countries, offering high resilience for long-distance trips. It features four overlapping layers of hard materials reinforced with rubber, making this tire exceptionally strong for long roads and commercial transport routes.
- Tuwaiq Tread: The most prominent tire for rough and mountainous roads. Hence, it is named after Tuwaiq Mountain, symbolizing strength and high ambition, in line with Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030. This tire features a structure reinforced with hard materials, enabling it to withstand strong impacts and difficult bumps, with an equally distinctive design that provides high grip on rocky and mountainous roads.
Historical facts about tires:
- In 1911, BF Goodrich launched the first rubber tire reinforced with metal wires for trucks, which in turn led to an increase in the loads trucks could carry, thanks to the tire's ability to withstand high pressure.
- During World War II, the world suffered from a shortage of natural rubber, which prompted engineers to develop various industrial alternatives, such as butadiene rubber, which is still used today in the manufacture of large truck tires.
