What should the driver check before driving?

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia extends over a vast area of more than 2.1 million square kilometers, making it the owner of the longest highways and commercial roads. The road network in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is more than 70 thousand kilometers, including thousands of kilometers of highways linking cities and administrative areas. In this context, trucks are the most effective carriers on Saudi roads for transporting commercial goods and logistics, but in light of the dangerous environmental conditions, which stem from high temperatures to very high levels, as well as sand and dust storms that cause visual impairment and problems There is a great deal in the ability of drivers to maintain their lanes. According to statistics issued by the National Center for Traffic Safety, 23% of traffic accidents in 2022 were due to tire faults, such as sudden explosions and sharp slips, as well as problems related to suspension systems and braking systems. These high rates reflect the urgent need to follow accurate inspection procedures before embarking on any commercial truck journey, especially as the costs of accidents expected to occur annually may exceed one billion Saudi Riyals, including the cost of repairs, compensation, loss of production capacity, loss of delayed arrival of goods and logistics.

We (Darbak Company) As a leading company in the field of truck tires in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, we are responsible for raising awareness and clarification for all drivers, technicians and owners of major logistics fleets in order to achieve the company's vision, which includes providing the best driving experience for trucks on commercial roads in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and seeking to contribute to reducing the rates of terrible accidents that kill lives and money, significantly affecting higher levels of social solidarity. Thus, we achieve our role as a leading company in community, humanitarian and national contribution.

The reader may ask about the importance of these articles that discuss the topics of checking tires, clarifying preventive procedures and preparing the necessary emergency equipment to avoid accidents. We can answer this question in a few following lines: Major accidents in trucks, cars and aircraft all started from a small spark or a minor failure in parts that may not be important in the driving process, but their lack of importance for driving does not necessarily mean that they are not dangerous to the truck if it suffers from a defect, malfunction or fire. Here we highlight the problems of accurate and significant tires in order to make the full picture among drivers and develop a high understanding of the seriousness of any It is one of the signs of damage or abnormal consumption. The importance of this is especially in tires, because they are the main part of the truck that touches the ground and through which the direction of the truck and its maneuvers are controlled. This means that losing control of tires due to any failure means losing control of the entire truck, including the goods, the driver and the rest of the interconnected parts. This is a sufficient reason to focus effort on tires and create community awareness by examining tires and developing the level of prevention in the driver community, which reflects a significant development in line with the vision of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia 2030 in general.

More than 23% of truck accidents on Saudi roads are caused by tire faults that can be prevented through regular inspection. This is a figure that should not be ignored in an environment characterized by harsh temperatures and sandstorms that hinder visibility and increase risks.

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Technical inspection of tires

Tires are the only part of the truck components that directly touch the ground, making them susceptible to damage, and combustion due to high temperatures and extreme friction, making daily inspection not a negotiable option but a mandatory duty for all drivers and workers in the logistics sector. The checks and examinations are arranged as follows in order of importance and priority.

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Air pressure

Air pressure inside tires is the basic means of withstanding the weight and full load of a truck, which means that it is a key nerve to keep the truck running well and normally. What should not be exceeded is that the air pressure inside the tires is subject to the law of ideal gases, which means that the pressure inside the tire changes according to negative and positive temperature changes in a direct relationship. When the temperature is increased by ten degrees, the pressure increases by 2-3 PSI, making us face the risk of the possibility of tire explosion due to climate change. In the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, temperatures vary between night and day by approximately 20 degrees Celsius, This makes the tire pressure experience a high fluctuation overnight, which requires drivers to check it periodically daily to ensure that it maintains a safe rate, while monitoring the temperatures in the journey area that the truck will go through in order to lower or raise the pressure level according to the expected temperatures and the environment in which the truck is traveling.

It is important to know the technical recommendations recommended by truck manufacturers and tire manufacturers. Adherence to them will save you from many potential problems and terrible accidents.

• For heavy trucks (10 wheels or more): The pressure is in the range of 100-110 PSI for the front tires... and the rear tires will be 90-100 PSI depending on the load and its weight.

• As for trucks that operate in a sandy environment: It is preferable to reduce the pressure by 10-15% in order to increase the area of contact and friction with the ground and avoid stitching the truck, with our recommendation not to lower the pressure more than the percentage recommended by the manufacturers.

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In addition to the above, smart devices can be used, such as wireless pressure sensors (TPMS), which send alerts directly to the driver through the cockpit in the event of any emergency change in tire pressure, while other systems can be used integrated with cruise control systems (Cruise Control) that automatically adjust pressure on long trips.

The depth of the tread

The design of the tread plays an important role in the drainage of water between asphalt and tires, as well as the drainage of desert sand, mud and other obstacles. However, there are different types, designs and purposes of operation. In flat environments and paved roads, it is preferable to use the winding tread, which reduces noise and helps drain water quickly with a noticeable increase in the stability of the truck on the road, while in sandy and gravel environments and construction areas, it is better to use the block tread, which provides much higher traction with a high ability to withstand strong shocks. There are many different types, each with its own work area, In this context, we would like to commend Darbek's efforts in developing and designing custom pedals for the various environments in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, which is considered one of the most diverse and changing environments, which requires providing a special design that simulates the environments on which work is focused in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. This achievement is no stranger to Darbek, whose journey has always been fraught with wonderful refining achievements and creative solutions at all levels.

It is not sufficient to rely on the naked eye in this examination. Some modern tires have built-in wear indicators that appear when the depth of the tread is reached, known as (Tread Depth Gauge), which works electronically to measure the depth of the tread and how much has been consumed. Some modern tires come with built-in wear indicators that appear when the depth of the tread reaches the unauthorized level. By measuring 3 mm of the depth of the tread, the general condition appears normal, but in cases of lower depth, tires are subject to slip or (hydroplaning). In rainy areas or with torrential water, walking on these tires is a serious indication of negligence in conditions and public safety procedures.

The depth of the tread can be maintained for a longer period through several preventive measures, depending on the rest of the truck. For example, imbalance and alignment in the suspension system increases the level of tread wear, in addition to the uneven wear that occurs due to sudden braking on a corner of the tire, which accelerates the wear of the overall tire. In general, choosing tires with a tread pattern suitable for the environment in which the truck operates greatly reduces the problems caused by bad or incompatible tires. Therefore, it is necessary to know the available types and environments for them, while you can shorten distances and request from Derbek For tires, it will ensure that the right tires are delivered to you in a smoother and less complicated way.

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Erosion patterns

In the world of heavy transport, tire wear is not a normal thing or just a natural result of road use. It is like a technical and technical language that tells us a lot about the mechanical conditions of the truck, how the truck deals with the road, the effectiveness of the tire response in this process, and the extent to which the driver or the maintenance team complies with the preventive and precautionary measures. All of this is done by analyzing the different wear patterns, which appear in pictures of the end of the tire's life, but why did this tire collapse early? This question remains the main driver of the process of analyzing corrosion patterns. Through analysis, we can identify the root causes of the problem and correct them before they cause damage that cannot be dealt with. Thus, we are now separated by a line from the types of corrosion and the meaning of each of them.

Lateral wear

This pattern of wear can be seen on both sides of the tire surface, while the middle part of the tread maintains its normal thickness. It appears in heavy trucks, especially those that operate on long commercial tracks or carry huge loads that exceed the specific load of the tires, but what are the reasons for this strange wear?

Possible causes of tire wear on the side:

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First: poor alignment in the front and rear wheels:

What causes an imbalance is called (Toe Misalignment) Which means the deviation of the longitudinal angle of the tire, so that the tire faces either inward or outward, while the normal shape requires the alignment of the tire in parallel with the other tires without imbalance or differentiation. This complex defect can lead to the tires sliding slightly sideways while rotating, which in turn produces abnormal friction that causes severe wear on the outer or inner sides of the tire. Therefore, it is necessary to use a mirror to examine the sides of the internal tires and find out their wear condition, because they are out of sight but the effect is on them.

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Second: the decrease in air pressure inside the tires: 

This decrease in the level of internal pressure of the tires can lead to a very excessive load on the sides of the tires, causing the shoulders to bear the bulk of the load, while the center of the tire remains in good condition. This makes the tires in a state of accelerated wear while the center of the tire remains fairly intact. This is one of the most dangerous things for commercial trucks, as they may deviate from their course due to the explosion of a tire, or slip due to the inability of the tire to hold the truck on the ground, and other terrible losses that we do not wish anyone to fall into.

What precautions should drivers take to avoid lateral wear on tires?

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• Regular calibration: Drivers should perform a special examination to identify tire angles, and then adjust and calibrate to improve alignment using advanced systems such as (3D Wheel Alignment) whenever the truck travels a minimum of approximately 10,000 kilometers, or in cases of observing a defect in driving behavior or fuel consumption, or examining visible damage. It should be noted that this examination is recommended to be performed in approved workshops specialized in heavy transport vehicles and commercial trucks, in order to ensure high accuracy in calibration and alignment results.

• Tire Rotation (Tire Rotation): Through our research on the opinions of experts on this matter, it was found that they highly recommend changing tire positions every 12-15 thousand kilometers. This distance is certainly according to the work environment, the type of tires and operating conditions, but this procedure helps to distribute wear evenly on all front, rear, interior and exterior wheels, especially those trucks with two- or four-wheel drive systems.

Central erosion

This type of wear is different from the previous one in that it is preserved on the sides and eats the middle area of the tire, which is why it is called central wear. This is one of the most prominent signs of an imbalance in air pressure or the result of an inappropriate choice of the type of tire compared to the usual load, making tires susceptible to explosion, slip and failure on a daily basis.

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Possible causes of central tire wear:

First: an exaggerated increase in air pressure:

When internal pressure is high, the shape of the tire becomes thinner and the area of contact between the tire and the road becomes small and focused on the center of the tire, making it more susceptible to wear and increasing the consumption of this area in particular. This becomes more dangerous when the roads are uneven, or in the event of bumps at high speeds, the explosion or severe damage of the tire will be the biggest event at that moment.

Second: Using a tire that is not suitable for cargo:

Tires come with specific load rates and are written in the label on the side of the tire. In this case, the tire is unable to distribute the load correctly to all the contact points in the tread. This wrong coordination results in rapid central wear. Thus, the tire wears out quickly, reducing its life and increasing replacement and maintenance costs.

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What preventive measures should drivers take to avoid central tire wear?

• In order to prevent central wear, it is recommended to check tire pressure on a daily basis, in the morning in particular, and before starting any journey, especially in commercial trucks operating in hot areas or dedicated to long trips between cities and countries.

• Adhere to install tires according to the appropriate “load index” for the truck and the goods it will carry, which must correspond to the total weight on each axle of the truck, in order to ensure excellent balance between tires and thus reduce fuel consumption and smooth driving.

• It is recommended to use modern digital pressure gauges for greater accuracy when checking air pressure in tires, taking into account not checking them during high temperatures, during trips, or in the sun, as this will make the reading inaccurate and increase the pressure level inside the tire significantly.

Mass corrosion

This pattern is known in particular as low areas and high areas appear alternately on the surface of the tire tread, making the tire appear wavy or appear significantly uneven. This can be seen while driving. The driver feels frequent vibrations in a certain format, with repeated noise in the same way, which confirms that the tire is affected by an epidemic of excessive wear, the causes of which we will learn now:

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Possible causes of mass tire wear:

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First: damage to suspension systems

It is a major cause of this type of wear, which results from a defect in the suspension system, specifically in shock absorbers or springs. When the truck's movement is not absorbed properly and naturally, pressure returns irregularly on the tires, leading to repeated blows on the road surface causing wavy mass wear.

Second: loss of tire balance

Tire imbalance can lead to irregular wheel rotation, increasing pressure on specific points of the tread and contributing to a pattern of mass wear, which kills the life of the tire. In extreme cases, the tire becomes unusable and must be replaced at full speed to avoid legal problems or terrible traffic accidents.

Third: damage or defect in the wheel hub

It can cause mass wear. Any defect in the wheel hub or wheel bearings can make the wheel unable to rotate smoothly and regularly. As a result, what is called irregular mass wear occurs.

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What are the preventive measures that drivers should take to avoid mass wear on tires?

• A comprehensive periodic inspection of the suspension system, especially shock absorbers and springs, every 20,000 kilometers, or in the event of any abnormal vibrations.

• Perform tire balance operations after each new tire fitting, or every 10-15 thousand kilometers depending on the nature of operation and the type of tires.

• Check wheel hubs and bearings and ensure that there are no problems, grinding sounds or unusual buzzing. It is recommended to adopt a periodic preventive maintenance strategy in specialized workshops that understand the changes in the Saudi climate and work environment.

Tire wear patterns are not just signs of the end of a tire's life. It is a technical and technical language that reveals the condition of a truck and its behavior on the road, and gives us the opportunity to understand faults before they become disasters.

Check vehicle systems

brake system

The brake system is the strategic partner for tires. The inspection process starts with air brakes by examining the air pressure inside the system, which uses air cylinders and compressors to provide an appropriate pressure. The pressure when operating must not be less than 100PSI. Then, the efficiency of the brakes is tested when stopping by measuring the stopping distance required by the truck to stop. It should not exceed 3 meters when braking from 40 km/h. The last part of the inspection is the brake cylinders and rails. You must make sure that their movement does not exceed 2.5 cm when braking. Know that exceeding this limit indicates damage to the cylinders.

suspension system

The suspension system is the main medium between the truck and the wheels, so it should be checked periodically to ensure that the truck maintains its strength and continues to operate. The inspection starts from the shock absorbers we talked about earlier. The process is done by testing the recoil, press each corner of the truck and then release it. If you see a bounce more than twice, the absorbers need to be replaced, and then check the springs by looking for cracks and abnormal curves, especially in air springs.

steering system

The electronic gyroscope steering system is considered in modern trucks. Any defect in the sensors may lead to resistance in the steering wheel or an unjustified deviation in the direction of the truck. It is important to check the hydraulic oils. Make sure that the oil level is appropriate and that its purity is still high. Turbid oil indicates damage to the pump.

lighting system

We can say that the lighting system is the most important system at night. Therefore, it requires special care. The front lights need to clean the lenses from dust and dirt. The lighting angle should be adjusted to avoid exposing opposite drivers to the light sharply. The side and rear lights must be made sure to operate day and night and replace the burning ones.

Checking vehicle systems is not just a routine procedure. It is the first line of defense against sudden failures. Brakes, suspension, steering and lighting are not separate parts, but an integrated safety net that protects lives and maintains business continuity.

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Epilogue

Regular inspection of a truck makes drivers less exposed to daily psychological stress for fear of faults and problems. In the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, where climatic conditions and changing work environments are varied, it is necessary to take necessary care of maintenance, inspection and prevention on an ongoing basis to ensure the best driving experience, maintain community security and perform the tasks assigned to the truck in the most efficient manner.

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