The biggest tire safety issue is under inflation. An underinflated tire will generate more heat and heat is enemy number one. Depending on size a tire will rotate approximately 750 – 900 times per minute at highway speeds. With every rotation it goes from compressed at the bottom where it contacts the road. To expanded at the top where the centrifugal force pushes it out. The constant movement from the sidewall flexing generates heat. Too much heat and the sidewall blows out.
Tire pressure should be checked at least once a month and flat repairs should be done immediately. Driving on a flat tire will cause catastrophic tire failure. The rim will grind on the inside of the carcass and wear the rubber away. This makes the sidewall weak and can cause a blowout if it holds air at all. Twenty three per cent of vehicles have at least one tire underinflated by more than twenty per cent. Underinflated tires may not be visibly noticeable. Properly inflated and overinflated tires may look like they have less air depending on the construction of the tire, so a tire pressure gauge should always be used.
Underinflated tires are more prone to damage, failure, and causes poor fuel mileage. Checking air pressure is also a good time to have a look at the condition of your tires. Check for uneven wear, tread remaining, cracks, and any objects stuck in the rubber.
Overloading is the second leading cause of tire failure. Tires are designed within a maximum load range. Exceeding the load range can result in excessive wear and reduced tire life. Overloading also poses the threat of sudden tire failure. When determining the load of a vehicle it is important to consider the tongue weight of a trailer or the loads that are carried by the vehicle.
Tire Treads are the grooves in a tire that squeeze out debris, rain and snow so that the tire can touch the ground. Lack of tread and air pressure can lead to difficult stops, hydroplaning, and poor fuel mileage. Tread less than 2/32nds of an inch is considered bald. All passenger tires have a wear indicator in the tread to
let you know how far it is worn, and if the tread is level with the wear bar then your tires need to be replaced. Driving on worn out tires can cause them to separate then blow out. Tires with bulges or wires sticking out are separated and can be dangerous.When you check tread depth, check both the inside and outside
edge of the tires. Uneven tire wear is usually a sign that your car is out of
alignment. Proper alignment optimizes handling and helps prevent premature tire
Wheel Balancing means compensating the weight of the tire and wheel after mounting. A wheel is out of balance when an area is heavier or lighter than the rest. Unbalanced wheels can cause vibration, irregular tread wear, and increased stress on suspension parts, causing them to wear prematurely. A wheel should be balanced whenever a tire is replaced or when weights are moved or removed.
Rotation helps extend the life of tires. Removing the wheels and installing them onto a different position on the vehicle. This ensures that all of the tires wear evenly, saving time and money.
Alignment refers to the adjustment of a vehicles front and rear suspension parts. Proper alignment ensures correct vehicle handling and will help increase the life and performance of your tires. The alignment can be knocked out from daily impacts like potholes, railroad crossings, by more severe accidents, or by age and wear. Get the alignment checked if: you hit something, notice a difference in the vehicle’s handling, if you vehicle is older and hasn’t had an alignment, or if you see a wear pattern developing on the shoulder of the tires.
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