Tires (tires) are among the most vital elements in heavy and light vehicles because of their direct impact on truck traffic, which affects safety standards and driving quality. This is because they are the only point that connects the vehicle to the asphalt road surface, making us have an unavoidable duty to monitor and maintain the condition of tires periodically. Otherwise, you are exposing yourself to a great risk to your personal and public safety. Taking care of tires and monitoring them is the dividing line between safety and disaster. Traffic accidents caused by tires are among the biggest causes of road deaths in the world. Relying on monitoring and periodic inspection if you take into account the signs of tire damage (tires). Understanding the signs of tire damage requires an in-depth study of the physical and chemical characteristics of tires. In this article, we will not only list the typical signs that indicate tire damage, but we will focus on details that many people overlook in order to change your general view of tires.
Why is it important to know the signs of tire damage?
The importance of knowing the signs of tire damage lies in the fact that knowing the problem before it occurs is better than regretting not knowing it after it has happened. Although this is mainly a matter of safety and safety, it is related to the time of replacing tires and knowing their general condition and shelf life, which gives the driver a high ability to deal with tires according to their condition, as well as expecting the end of the tire's life at a certain time, making it easier for the driver to take precautions and avoid sudden stops on the road or an accident. We ask God for safety. Here are some reasons that lead you to know the signs of tire damage (tires):
- Enhance road safety
Damaged tires are a temporary danger that roams the roads. For example, knowing that there is a swelling in the tire or large advanced cracks requires replacing the tire before starting your journey, which will avoid sudden accidents due to tire explosion.
- Avoid high costs
Detecting damage early reduces the need to replace the tire suddenly or make the tire serviceable and sustainable. This reduces the cost of subsequent maintenance if the tire expires and explodes or is damaged due to suspension and braking systems. This increases maintenance costs, which you could have avoided early.
- Extending the life of a tire
By knowing the signs of tire damage, you can prevent the main causes of tire damage by properly adjusting air pressure, avoiding overloading and many ways to maintain tires, thus providing an increase in the life of the tire and the ability to use it up to five years.
The most prominent signs of tire damage
First: tire tire wear
The tire is the part that directly faces the asphalt and is exposed to the effects of heat and constant friction with different road surfaces. Each tread has a set of grooves that give the tire a shape suitable for its purpose. Tread wear is one of the most serious signs that indicates the end of the tire's life and reduces the tire's braking ability, grip and stability, making it easier for the truck to slide quickly on wet, snowy and sandy roads. Experts recommend that the depth of the tread be checked periodically at specialized maintenance centers. The minimum depth of the tread is 1.6mm if the depth is lower, it is necessary to change the tire immediately.
Second: cracks and minor scratches
Cracks and scratches vary depending on their depth and location, but the most serious scratches and cracks are those that appear on both sides of the tires. The sides are usually less thick than all parts of the tire. They occur due to the impact of weather factors, long standing without movement or exposure to side impacts. These cracks lead to a decrease in the ability of the tire structure to hold together, which increases the likelihood of sudden tire explosion, as well as minor air leakage from inside the tire, but while continuing, the effect becomes significant. Certainly, exposure to sunlight continuously and walking on very hot roads speeds up tire damage and reduces its life span.
Third: the tire egg “side bulges”
Sometimes, spherical bulges are noticeable on both sides of the tire, which are remarkably prominent, called “tire egg.” This phenomenon occurs due to damage in the inner layers of the tires, which are responsible for maintaining the overall structure of the tire. They appear due to strong impacts or being hit by a stone or obstacle at a high speed. These bulges are serious indicators that indicate the imminent explosion of the tire and the need to replace it immediately. Drivers can notice vibrations and instability in the steering wheel, often due to the presence of this phenomenon in one of the tires.
Fourth: continuous air leakage
By periodically checking the tire pressure, you will find out if there is a noticeable leak from one of the tires. If you notice a decrease in air pressure without any hole in the tire or a problem in the air valve, it means that the tire structure has started to wear and damage. In this case, you should visit maintenance centers to confirm the cause of the leak or replace the tire. Lack of air pressure inside the tire can cause a significant increase in fuel consumption due to increased rolling resistance in the tires, in addition to losing the ability to fully control the wheels and steer the truck with difficulty.
Fifth: noise and unfamiliar sounds while driving
Unusual sounds while driving, such as the sound of friction or “softness” while traveling on a flat road, are an indication of tire damage, especially the tread layer. Many experts recommend listening carefully to these sounds, knowing their exact source and not being complacent. These sounds may be due to an object stuck in the tire tread and may be uneven wear in the tire, taking into account that old and poor quality tires are normal to have strange and annoying sounds due to the materials they are made of. To avoid such sounds, you can install a full set of tires Saudi Derbek Tires Saving effort in maintenance and tire replacement because Derbek tires come with a real warranty of more than 12 months.
Sixth: the date of production of the tire
The production date of a tire is linked to the expected duration of its use on the roads. This is because the materials from which tires are made consist of elements that are susceptible to weather conditions and natural factors, which means that they have a certain period of operation and cohesion. After that, they automatically start to deteriorate due to storage or exposure to air. Even if the tire appears to be in good condition, the shelf life of all tires is between 5 to 6 years from the date of production. You must make sure that the tire has not exceeded this period from the beginning of the production date, which you find printed on the side of the tire. It is in the form of a four-digit code; the first two digits indicate a week Production, and the last two digits are the year of production. For example, the code “2319” means that the tire was manufactured in the 23rd week of 2019. Using tires after the end of their useful life can lead to a risk of tire explosion or sudden damage.
Factors that accelerate tire damage
There are constant rates of tire damage naturally, but in many cases, tires are damaged before the expected date, making us wonder about the factors that accelerate tire damage and reduce their lifespan. Of course, it is a group of mistakes that drivers make most of the time. Over time and repetition, the accumulated effect occurs that changes the life of the tire and makes it damaged prematurely.
- Very low pressure
In the event of a decrease in air pressure inside the tire, the lower part of the tire becomes flat, making the area of friction with the asphalt as large as possible. This leads to a high increase in the temperatures caused by friction. Thus, the internal structure of the tire is damaged due to the melting of some parts on each other or the disintegration of the chemical bonds that connect vehicles to each other. Therefore, driving on tires with very low pressure is one of the most important accelerators of tire damage, as well as very high pressure. However, in this case, due to impact force and significant lateral pressure, lead to cracking of the tire and damage to the internal wires, which significantly reduces the life of the tire if it makes it only usable.
- Suspension system failures and budget
Many drivers neglect suspension problems and delay repairing them. However, this delay has a significant impact. Tires are the language that expresses the suspension system. Just a small difference in wheel angles can cause an increase in tire damage and fuel consumption. Misalignment and balance are among the most important reasons that accelerate tire damage significantly because they press the tire to one side of it, causing uneven damage that requires tire replacement.
- Overload
Each type of tire has a specific load in the individual and dual cases, as well as trucks and different vehicles, each with a maximum load that is not preferred to be increased. If the maximum load is exceeded, the pressure on the tires and on the truck will increase, causing a breakdown in the internal structure of the tire. As the tire travels at high speeds, the friction rate increases and the temperatures rise causing rapid damage in one or two trips only.
- Neglecting maintenance and not monitoring the condition of the tire
Many drivers neglect their vehicle tires and avoid regular maintenance under the pretext of financial savings, but it is not possible to save money by damaging tires and exposing their lives and the lives of others to danger. Tires require regular maintenance to control internal pressure, fill holes and get rid of impurities stuck in grooves. This process costs little, but saves you from paying large amounts of money in buying new tires, because neglecting to maintain tires periodically does not only accelerate damage but also accelerates the emergence of faults and problems in the whole truck.
Tips to extend the life of tires
The life of tires can generally be extended by providing the basic factors that a tire requires to operate stably throughout its life. These factors are as follows:
1. Air pressure control: the most important factor for protection
Drivers should follow the recommendations in the truck or car manual or the sticker on the driver's door. The pressure inside the tires varies greatly depending on the size of the truck, its load and the quality of the tires. Therefore, you should know the manufacturer's recommendations to get the best performance of the tires and keep them from damage.
2. Correct wheel alignment: balance
Alignment is one of the most important causes of uneven tire damage due to the impact of the direction of tire angles on the overall pressure distribution of the truck, as well as other effects on the truck's balance and stability on its track. Experts recommend checking the alignment after hitting potholes or obstacles or when the truck is deviated from the road.
3. Smart driving style
Driving style can make a big difference in the levels of tire damage. High and sudden speed increases the intensity of tire friction against asphalt, resulting in damage to the tread in one tire but not the other. In addition, knowing the weights carried by the truck and not increasing them to ensure that tires are not stressed in a way that their structural structure cannot bear. In general, smart driving and a general understanding of sound driving rules contribute significantly to extending the life of tires.
4. Choose the right tires
Tires vary greatly due to different and varied uses. In order to choose the right tire for your needs, you must know and understand the environment in which they operate, and take into account climatic conditions and weather changes. Tires are divided in terms of quality into seasons. There are winter tires, summer tires and all-season tires, while if we come to the environment, you will find: off-road tires, mud tires, ice tires, all-purpose tires, and many types and shapes, so you should choose the tire that matches your needs and work environment to get the best driving experience.
Summary
Extending the life of tires is not only a matter of financial savings. It is a key element in the safety and security of passengers and transported goods. By adhering to general tips and recommendations such as: controlling internal air pressure, regular alignment, regular maintenance, and checking the depth of the tread, you can avoid at least 80% of common tire problems, as well as maintaining safety and public safety, which enhances the role of road transport and logistics support lines in the country and the region. Your commitment makes a security and economic difference that enhances the growth of our beloved country.
When should a tire be replaced even if it shows no signs of damage?
The answer to this question lies in understanding how tires work and knowing their synthetic materials. If they look good on the outside without cracks and no visible wear, does this mean that they are suitable for driving on them? In fact, the answer is “No” This is because there are hidden consumption reasons that many users may not know, which we will review in the next lines.
1. The effect of time on tire damage
Even tires that are stored properly are not safe from natural damage due to the impact of time. Rubber, which is the main component of tires, has a shelf life and aging if it reaches it, cannot be used in tires because it loses its properties for which it was used in the manufacture of tires. Manufacturers recommend using tires 6-10 years before the date of manufacture, and should be replaced even if not used if it is not used if it exceeds this period.
2. The effect of storage on tire damage
In many cases, people rely on storing their unused tires in places exposed to air, sun and environmental changes. With humidity and heat, rubber and other carbon components are affected, causing damage that has no visible signs but appears with use. It is important to store tires in a dedicated place that provides protection from moisture and sunlight in order not to damage tires prematurely. If tires are exposed to moisture and sunlight, it is not recommended to use them, especially if they lose their dark black color and become light.
3. Do not recycle tires
Tire rotation is a concept known to many drivers by changing the positions of tires in reverse or analog ways so that the front tires are in the places of the rear tires and vice versa, or the front right tire returns to the rear north and so on. This process, if not done from time to time, will damage the tires and significantly impair their performance. All tires must then be replaced in order to avoid imbalance and avoid unnecessary maintenance costs.
4. Change only one frame
Some drivers may replace only one tire (after a puncture, for example), while keeping the other tires as they are. This process will cost the loss of all tires, because the normal wear of the tires will be different from the new tire, changing the level of balance, resulting in an increase in pressure on the tires that were not replaced. Either change all tires at once or replace the tire with another tire with the same level of wear by measuring the depth of the tread in the rest of the tires.
Darbek Truck Tire Company
From the spirit of Saudi authenticity, progress Darbek Truck Tire Company A selection of distinctive high-quality tires that compete with foreign products deservedly, through the ambitious vision it is working to achieve, which is to establish the first tire factory in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, in addition to being the only Saudi company that has received the Saudi General Specifications badge. Thus, it offers products dedicated to the Middle East with its high temperatures and changing climate, giving customers the ability to choose tires that match their needs and suit their budget, because Darbek has designed tires in a way that meets all needs in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the Arabian Gulf.
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