The most important causes of cracked tires and how to avoid them

The use of covers continuously shows many problems. Over time, exposure to ultraviolet rays, infidelity begins to crack and crack. These cracks can cause significant damage to the infidelity or even its explosion. In this article, we will review in detail the main causes of cracks in cases and how to avoid them.

The task of tires is more difficult than many people can imagine. They withstand the high weights of trucks with impacts on asphalt heated by the hot heat of the sun, in addition to brake pressure times that may reach hundreds of times a day, which puts their mark on tires (tires), causing a large percentage of tire consumption (tires), but what are the main causes of tire cracking (tires)?

What causes tires (tires) to crack?

Tire cracks (tires) are generally divided into several different sections due to the different causes of their occurrence. There are so-called “weather cracks” that result from weather changes such as cold, heat, snow, rain, etc. These are small cracks that are barely visible and appear significantly on both sides of the tire (tires). They are very harmless but subject to inflation and increase due to exposure to sunlight or chemicals such as gas oil and truck fat, which are frequent in maintenance workshops.

You can overcome the many problems you suffer from at once by replacing the old tires with the tires of Darbek Saudi Company, which has worked very hard to find the best tires, designed specifically for the areas and roads of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the Arabian Gulf. This environment is characterized by high temperatures and high humidity. The tires provided by Darbek are such as “Dasat Tuwaiq”, “Dasat Flexible” and other tires that consist of a distinctive four-layer rubber composition that provides high protection from bumps and other weather effects. The important part here is the asphalt facing the tread, which is designed in a manner compatible with the roads To provide high smoothness in driving and carrying large load weights, providing drivers with great possibilities on the road, especially on long trips, all thanks to high-quality materials and modern technologies that make tires Darbak Company It is superior to many tires in the Gulf region and Saudi Arabia.

Many tires (tires) today contain anti-cracking materials that form a mixture with rubber compounds, giving the outer rubber anti-aging properties and can overcome season changes and get a longer tire life. However, over time and daily use of tires (tires), these cracks must find a place and appear. This is normal for a tire that performs its work and rotates continuously against asphalt and deals with summer heat and winter cold. We can list the most prominent causes that lead to tire cracking (tires) as follows:

First: the age of tires (tires)

Truck tires are significantly affected by time factors. Several studies show that tires can deteriorate their condition and the quality of their materials even if the tires are not used frequently, according to what I have suggested American Tire AssociationTires over 6 years of age (tires) begin to lose their flexibility and stiffness properties, making it difficult to drive on these tires because this deterioration results in many technical problems. Tire wear means that the brake system is weaker than in new tires, while wear on the sides of the tires affects the risk of sudden explosion.

Here is a table showing the effect of age on tire condition:

Notes Degradation Rate (%) Age (years)Good condition100-2Start of deterioration 203-5High risk to tire 406-8Must be replaced 709+

How to avoid tire age problems?

It is important to periodically check all truck tires before each trip and end of each month or with the date of changing engine oil and replacing tires that have reached a high level of damage. One of the important commandments is to comply with driving controls and road laws to reduce damage caused by bumps and rough roads. If the truck is stopped for a long time, drivers should move the truck once or twice and not leave the tires fixed in one condition. This leads to significant damage to the tires (tires) due to the concentration of the load on one part of the tire tread.

On the other hand, drivers should rotate tires from time to time to maintain an equal percentage of natural wear, which helps tires continue working for a longer period. The recycling process is to reinstall the front tires in place of the rear or to recombine them in reverse. This helps to promote even wear, which significantly extends the life of the tires. In addition, replacing old tires with new ones contributes to improving the driving experience and, most importantly, maintaining public safety on the roads and reducing the percentage of truck accidents on highways, rough roads, rainy roads, dirt and sandy roads, while monitoring the life of the tire And replace it on time.

Second: road conditions

Tires, especially truck tires, are exposed to different conditions on the roads, depending on the variety of use of trucks and heavy vehicles in different places and conditions, and hence the diversity of environmental problems faced by truck drivers on highways and international transport lines. The most prominent environmental changes that make a difference in road conditions are humidity, different temperatures and seasonal rains. Many trucks may experience terrible accidents due to bad weather conditions.

Tires, like any part of a truck, are exposed to these conditions. In some cases, water leaks into the tire (infidelity), increasing the weight of the tire, causing a drop in internal air pressure. On the other hand, the heat of the asphalt causes significant damage to the outer rubber layers. This poses a high risk to many tires, but when talking about Darbek company covers The situation is different. The outer layer of tires comes with very strong protective layers, while working to produce special designs for the tires that provide a high ability to get rid of obstacles and liquids.

Through some statistics mentioned by the website (RAC) If:

• High temperature: causes an increase in the likelihood of cracks in tires by up to 30%
• Humidity: When driving on wet roads, the level of tire damage reaches 25%

Third: ultraviolet rays

At first glance, it may seem that ultraviolet rays have no significant effect, but this is an illusion because we do not see them with the naked eye. Otherwise, it is one of the most important factors affecting human health and tires. When continuously exposed to these rays, there is a significant deterioration in the bonding of rubber structures with each other, causing a high speed in Tire wear (Infidelity).

Therefore, the effects of this damage and wear appear in the form of cracks of varying sizes, making tires more susceptible to sudden explosion and damage. For protection, some of the following preventive measures can be taken:

• Park the truck in well-shaded areas or use protective covers against UV rays.
• Using additional materials such as oils designed to protect tires from damage, which contribute to reducing the effects of UV rays and extending the life of the tire.

Some websites specialized in tires have reported statistics related to the effect of UV rays on tires exposed to sunlight on a daily basis that this can reduce the life of the tire by at least 20%, while the use of protective covers can increase the life of the whole tire by up to 15% of the life of the tire.

Fourth: air pressure

The air pressure inside the tires (tires) is one of the most important characteristics that protect the tire from cracking and external damage. In some cases, it may be considered a decisive factor in the continued life of the tire from death. We have two cases: low pressure and high pressure. In the event of a drop, the tread expands, providing more space for friction with asphalt, making it difficult to walk in heavy loads and consuming a large area of the tread by placing it under heavy weight concentration. The other case is high pressure, which gives the truck a greater ability to travel quickly, but if it is increased, it is more dangerous than a very low air pressure. The tire here is subject to explosion and occurrence Swelling on the sides of the infidelity and therefore significant cracking and damage to the infidelity.

Performance notes (%) Air pressure (psi)High risk of damage 50Less than 30Good performance80Between 30-35 Risk of bloating 90More than 35

But, how can we maintain the ideal air pressure for the tire?

• The air pressure inside the tire can be kept at an ideal level by periodically checking all tires, making sure that the pressure gauge gives a reading that matches the manufacturer's recommendations, changing the air pressure in winter and extreme cold periods, and vice versa in the event of higher temperatures and keeping pace with seasonal changes.

Fifth: the type of frame (infidelity)

The importance of choosing the type of tire (cover) is that it is fully suitable and dedicated to the environment in which it is used. This is undoubtedly one of the most important factors affecting the life of the tire, its endurance and the absence of unwelcome cracks. Tires vary and vary. There are types designed specifically for cold rainy areas. There are tires designed for cold and icy areas. Although they share cold tolerance, there is a difference between water and snow. On the other hand, there are tires for hot areas, tires for highways, tires for mud sites, etc.

Choosing the right tire for your field of work greatly helps you save maintenance costs if the tire is not intended for the work environment. You can review the specifications of each tire and find out if it is suitable for the environment in which the truck operates and the roads on which it usually travels.

Frames can be divided into these main types to facilitate access to the desired type:

• Highway tires: These are specifically designed for use on paved and flat roads and provide you with excellent performance at high speeds and long trips.

• Off-road tires: they challenge difficult roads and extreme conditions making them suitable for rough roads, unpaved and winding roads.

• Versatile tires: you can get a great combination of features that combine strength in handling difficult roads and high flexibility on flat roads and are perfectly suitable for various uses.

A table showing the effect of the difference between types of tires on truck performance

Remarks Shelf life (years) Ideal use Type of tireExcellent high speed performance5-7paved roadsHighway tiresHigh abrasion resistance4-6Unpaved roadsHigh flexibility 5-8Versatile useVersatile tires

Tips for choosing the right type for your truck

When choosing a frame, the following points should be considered:

• Type of use: Determine whether the truck will drive on paved and asphalt roads or on rough and dirt roads?
• Specific load: Be sure to choose a tire that can withstand the required weight for each load without a high risk to the truck and tires.
• Weather conditions: It is important to focus on the weather conditions in which the truck travels. Tires are exposed to them, so choose the type that is compatible with the prevailing weather on the truck road such as rain, snow, sandstorms, etc.

How do we detect the presence of cracks and anticipate problems?

We emphasize that truck tire cracks are among the most prominent warning signs that indicate the serious condition of the tire (tire), the deterioration of its structural condition and the end of its life, which directly leads to problems such as tire explosion and truck overturning. This is because worn tires are not fully controlled. It is necessary to know the appropriate way to detect tire cracks and predict possible problems before they occur. This is achieved through periodic examinations that are easy to perform.

• Early signs of cracking

Tires show warning signs that you should know:

1. Fine lines on the sides of the frame.
2. small cracks in the tread pattern.
3. The color of the rubber has changed in certain areas.
4. The appearance of abnormal bumps.

Experts recommend performing the following tests to detect the condition of the tire, determine its suitability and look for the signs mentioned above:

1. visual inspection

The visual inspection of tires can be completed by looking at the sides and edges of the tire sequentially to track cracks and identify their locations. There are superficial cracks that do not currently pose a danger but are subject to inflation and growth, while deep cracks that extend deep into the internal structure of the tire require immediate maintenance.

2. Touch scan

Using your hands, scan the surrounding surface of the tire and check the smoothness of the tread and the sides. If you feel uneven places or dry areas and others that are very soft, these are signs of deterioration in the condition of the tire.

3. Mechanical inspection

Through maintenance centers using tread depth meters, devices are used to check the sides and internal tire structure, with tools to measure air pressure inside the tires and determine the general condition of the tire.

The latest technical developments in the field of tire manufacturing

Recently, tire manufacturers have started to develop a fault monitoring system and provide a predictive space that allows predicting problems before they occur and detecting major faults. They are of a manageable size. There are many advanced tire monitoring systems. Therefore, drivers should monitor the signs given by these devices and sensors to control any problem that occurs on the wheels well.

On the other hand, there are many updates regarding new technologies in the world of tire manufacturing, including smart tires, which are expected to be launched in the coming years, which are supported by integrated systems that help to detect problems such as punctures or air leaks from tires, as well as measuring pressure and temperature inside the tire immediately. This new technology is necessary in enhancing autonomous driving systems in trucks and cars, which require updated and continuous information on a permanent basis, while providing the option of linking the whole system to an application on smart phones to help drivers in emergency cases or if they are away from the truck they can know Its condition and checks the tires and the engine, which reduces operating costs and reduces risk levels on international highways.

What are the tire monitoring systems in trucks?

It is one of the most important elements related to safety in trucks. As mentioned above, it is dedicated to monitoring faults and problems that occur on tires during and before the journey. It is divided into several types and sections that all work to achieve the main goal: safe and comfortable driving.

1. Direct tire pressure monitoring systems (TPMS):

This technology represents a revolution in the world of truck safety, as it measures air pressure and temperature inside tires, and transmits information to the cockpit to warn the driver when there is any problem such as low pressure or high temperature. This provides high protection from expected risks. This system is characterized by the following:

• - Provides instant readings of the pressure of each individual tire.
• - Alert the driver when the pressure drops below the required limit.
• - Record historical data that can be analyzed to improve performance.

2. Indirect tire pressure monitoring systems (TPMS):

This technology is similar to its direct sister, but there is a difference in the data source. It depends on transmitting data from the brake system and the stability control system, which provide information that determines tire pressure without the need for internal sensors. This system is characterized by the following:

• It offers little cost in work and maintenance because it has no sensors.
• It can be easily installed in many vintage and modern trucks.
• Pressure drops can be detected based on wheel speed changes.

We conclude from all this that tire cracks are one problem, but they are caused by many complex details. We can consider them only a sign of tire deterioration and expiration. Everyone can extend the life of tires by applying the recommendations mentioned above while paying attention to tire monitoring systems that alert drivers when there is any problem with truck tires, helping drivers make better decisions while driving.