Continuous use of tires reveals many problems over time, and exposure to UV rays causes tires to crack and fissure. These cracks can lead to significant damage or even a blowout. In this article, we will detail the main causes of tire cracks and how to prevent them.
The job of tires is tougher than many people imagine. They bear the heavy loads of trucks while constantly hitting asphalt heated by the scorching sun, in addition to hundreds of daily brake applications. All of this leaves its mark on tires, causing significant wear. But what are the main reasons for tire cracking?
What causes tire cracking?
Tire cracks generally fall into several categories due to their varied causes. There are "weather cracks," which result from atmospheric changes like cold, heat, snow, and rain. These are tiny, barely visible cracks that appear predominantly on the tire's sidewalls. While largely harmless, they are prone to worsening and enlarging if exposed to sunlight or chemicals such as gas oil and truck grease, which are common in maintenance workshops.
You can overcome many of the problems you face all at once by replacing old tires with those from Darbk Saudi Company. Darbk has worked diligently to produce the best tires, specifically designed for the regions and roads of Saudi Arabia and the Arabian Gulf, an environment characterized by high temperatures and humidity. Darbk's tires, such as "Taweeq Tread" and "Marin Tread," and other treads, feature a unique four-layer rubber compound that provides high protection against bumps and other weather effects. The crucial part here is the tread that meets the asphalt, which is designed to be compatible with the roads, offering high driving smoothness and the ability to carry heavy loads. This provides drivers with significant capabilities on the road, especially on long journeys, all thanks to high-quality materials and modern technologies that make Darbk tires Darbk Company superior to many other tires in the Gulf region and Saudi Arabia.
Many tires today contain anti-cracking agents that blend with rubber compounds, giving the outer rubber anti-aging properties. These help tires withstand seasonal changes and achieve a longer lifespan. However, with time and daily use, cracks are bound to appear, which is natural for a tire constantly performing its duty, rotating, hitting asphalt, and enduring summer heat and winter cold. The most prominent causes of tire cracking can be summarized as follows:
First: Tire Age
Truck tires are significantly affected by the passage of time. Numerous studies indicate that tires can deteriorate in condition and material quality even if not used frequently. This is according to the U.S. Tire Manufacturers Association, tires older than 6 years begin to lose their elasticity and rigidity, making driving on them difficult. This deterioration leads to numerous technical problems; worn tires mean a weaker braking system compared to new ones, while sidewall wear poses a risk of sudden blowouts.
Here is a table illustrating the effect of age on tire condition:
NotesDeterioration Rate (%)Age (Years)Good Condition100-2Start of Deterioration203-5High Risk to Tire406-8Replacement Needed709+
How to avoid tire age problems?
It is crucial to perform regular inspections of all truck tires before each trip, at the end of every month, or during engine oil changes, and to replace tires that have reached a high level of wear. Important recommendations include adhering to driving regulations and road laws to minimize damage from bumps and rough roads. If a truck is parked for an extended period, drivers should move it once or twice and avoid leaving the tires stationary in one position, as this can cause significant tire damage due to the load being concentrated on a single part of the tire tread.
Furthermore, drivers should rotate tires periodically to maintain an even rate of natural wear, which helps tires last longer. Tire rotation involves reinstalling front tires in the rear position or vice versa. This practice promotes even wear, significantly extending tire life. Additionally, replacing old tires with new ones improves the driving experience and, more importantly, enhances overall road safety, reducing the incidence of truck accidents on highways, rough roads, wet roads, dirt roads, and sandy roads, all while monitoring tire age and replacing them on schedule.
Second: Road Conditions
Tires, especially truck tires, are exposed to various road conditions, reflecting the diverse uses of trucks and heavy vehicles in different locations and circumstances. This leads to a variety of environmental challenges for truck drivers on highways and international transport routes. Among the most significant environmental changes affecting road conditions are humidity, varying temperatures, and seasonal rains, as many trucks can be involved in terrible accidents due to adverse weather.
And tires, like any other part of a truck, are exposed to these conditions. In some cases, water can leak into the tire, increasing its weight and causing a drop in internal air pressure. On the other hand, asphalt heat can cause significant damage to the outer rubber layers. This poses a high risk to many tires, but when we talk about Darbk Company's tires the situation is different. The outer layer of these tires features ultra-strong protective layers, along with specially designed tread patterns that offer high capability in shedding obstacles and liquids.
And according to some statistics mentioned by the website (RAC) then:
- High temperatures: increase the likelihood of tire cracks by up to 30%.
- Humidity: When driving on wet roads, the level of tire damage can reach 25%.
Third: Ultraviolet (UV) Rays
It might seem at first glance that UV rays don't have a significant impact, but this is an illusion because we can't see them with the naked eye. In reality, they are among the most important factors affecting human health and tires. Continuous exposure to these rays causes significant deterioration in the bonding of rubber compounds, leading to rapid tire wear (tire).
Consequently, the effects of this damage and wear appear as cracks of varying sizes, making tires more susceptible to sudden blowouts and damage. To protect them, the following preventive measures can be taken:
- Park the truck in well-shaded areas or use UV-protective covers.
- Use additional materials, such as specialized oils, to protect tires from damage, which helps reduce the effects of UV rays and extends tire life.
Some tire-specialized websites have reported statistics regarding the impact of UV rays on tires exposed to daily sunlight, indicating that this can reduce tire life by at least 20%. Conversely, using protective covers can extend the overall tire life by up to 15% of its expected lifespan.
Fourth: Air Pressure
Air pressure inside tires is one of the most crucial factors protecting them from cracking and external damage. In some cases, it can be a decisive factor between a tire's life and death. We have two scenarios: low pressure and high pressure. In the case of low pressure, the tread expands, providing a larger contact area with the asphalt, which makes driving with heavy loads difficult and wears down a significant portion of the tread due to concentrated heavy weight. The other scenario, high pressure, allows the truck to travel at higher speeds, but if it exceeds its limit, it is more dangerous than extremely low air pressure. In this case, the tire is susceptible to bursting and developing bulges on its sidewalls, leading to significant cracking and damage.
NotesPerformance (%)Air Pressure (psi)High risk of damage50Less than 30Good performance80Between 30-35Risk of bulging90More than 35
But, how can we maintain the ideal tire pressure?
- Ideal tire pressure can be maintained by regularly checking all tires and ensuring the pressure gauge matches the manufacturer's recommendations, adjusting tire pressure in winter and during periods of extreme cold, and vice versa during high temperatures, to keep pace with seasonal changes.
Fifth: Tire Type
The importance of choosing the right tire type lies in its suitability and full dedication to the environment it operates in, and undoubtedly, this is one of the most crucial factors affecting tire lifespan, durability, and the prevention of unwelcome cracks. Tires vary widely; there are types specifically designed for cold, rainy regions and others for cold, snowy regions. While both endure cold, there's a difference between water and snow. On the other hand, there are tires for hot regions, highway tires, mud terrain tires, and many other types and designs.
Choosing the right tire for your operational needs significantly helps save on maintenance costs if the tire is not suited for the work environment. You can review the specifications of each tire to determine if it's suitable for the environment your truck operates in and the roads it typically travels.
Tires can be divided into these main types to facilitate finding the desired kind:
- Highway Tires: These are specifically designed for use on paved, flat roads and offer excellent performance at high speeds and during long journeys.
- Off-Road Tires: They tackle difficult roads and harsh conditions, making them suitable for rough terrain, unpaved, and winding roads.
- All-Terrain Tires: You get a great blend of features, combining strength for challenging roads with high flexibility on paved surfaces, making them perfectly suited for diverse use.
Table illustrating the impact of different tire types on truck performance
NotesLifespan (years)Ideal UseTire TypeExcellent performance at high speeds5-7Paved roadsHighway TiresHigh wear resistance4-6Unpaved roadsOff-Road TiresHigh flexibility5-8Diverse useAll-Terrain Tires
Tips for Choosing the Right Type for Your Truck
When choosing a tire, the following points should be considered:
- Type of Use: Determine whether the truck will operate on paved and asphalt roads or on rough and dirt roads?
- Specified Load: Ensure you choose a tire capable of bearing the required weight for each load without posing a high risk to the truck and tires.
- Weather Conditions: It is important to focus on the weather conditions the truck operates in, as tires are exposed to them. Therefore, choose a type compatible with the prevailing weather along the truck's route, such as rain, snow, sandstorms, and so on.
How do we detect cracks and anticipate problems?
We emphasize that cracks in truck tires are among the most prominent warning signs indicating a dangerous tire condition, structural deterioration, and the end of its lifespan, which directly leads to problems such as tire blowouts and truck rollovers. This is because worn-out tires are not fully controllable. It is essential to know the proper way to detect tire cracks and predict potential problems before they occur. This is achieved through regular inspections that are easy to perform.
- Early Signs of Cracking
Tires display warning signs you should be aware of:
- Fine lines on the tire's sidewalls.
- Small cracks in the tread pattern.
- Discoloration of the rubber in certain areas.
- Appearance of unusual bulges.
Experts recommend performing the following inspections to check the tire's condition, determine its serviceability, and look for the aforementioned signs:
- Visual Inspection
A visual inspection of tires can be performed by sequentially examining the tire's sidewalls and edges to track and locate cracks. Superficial cracks do not pose an immediate danger but can enlarge and grow. Deep cracks, however, that extend into the tire's internal structure require immediate maintenance.
- Tactile Inspection
Using your hands, run them over the tire's circumferential surface and check the smoothness of the tread and sidewalls. If you feel uneven spots, or areas that are dry and others that are very smooth, these are signs of tire deterioration.
- Mechanical Inspection
This is performed at maintenance centers using tread depth gauges, sidewall and internal tire structure inspection devices, along with tools for measuring air pressure inside the tires, to determine the overall tire condition.
Latest technological developments in the tire manufacturing industry
Recently, tire manufacturing companies have begun developing fault monitoring systems that provide a predictive capability, allowing for the anticipation of problems before they occur and the detection of major faults while they are still manageable. There are many advanced tire condition monitoring systems, so drivers should monitor the signs provided by these devices and sensors to effectively manage any issues that arise with the wheels.
Furthermore, there are many updates regarding new technologies in the tire manufacturing world, including smart tires expected to be launched in the coming years. These will be supported by integrated systems that help detect problems such as punctures or air leaks from tires, as well as instantly measuring pressure and temperature inside the tire. This new technology is essential for enhancing autonomous driving systems in trucks and cars, which require constant and updated information. Additionally, there's an option to link the entire system with a smartphone application to assist drivers in emergency situations or when they are away from the truck, allowing them to know its status and check the tires and engine. This reduces operational costs and lowers risk levels on international highways.
What are tire monitoring systems in trucks?
They are one of the most important safety-related elements in trucks, and as previously mentioned, they are designed to monitor faults and problems that occur with tires during and before a journey. They are divided into several types and categories, all working to achieve the main goal: safe and comfortable driving.
1- Direct Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems (TPMS):
This technology represents a revolution in truck safety, as it measures air pressure and temperature inside the tires and transmits this information to the cockpit to warn the driver of any issues, such as low pressure or high temperature. This provides high protection against anticipated dangers. This system is characterized by the following:
- - Provides instant readings for the pressure of each tire individually.
- - Alerts the driver when pressure drops below the required limit.
- - Records historical data that can be analyzed to improve performance.
2- Indirect Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems (TPMS):
This technology is similar to its direct counterpart but differs in its data source. It relies on data from the braking system and stability control system, which provide information to determine tire pressure without the need for internal sensors. This system offers the following advantages:
- Offers low operating and maintenance costs because it does not use sensors.
- Can be easily installed in many old and new trucks.
- Low pressure can be detected based on changes in wheel speed.
From all of this, we conclude that tire cracks, while appearing to be a single problem, often have many complex underlying details. They can be considered merely a sign of tire deterioration and the end of its lifespan. Everyone can extend tire life by implementing the recommendations mentioned above, while also paying close attention to tire monitoring systems. These systems alert drivers to any issues with truck tires, helping them make better decisions while driving.
