TYRE SAFETY TIPS

The Importance of Correct Inflation

Tyre pressure governs the life of the tyre. The compressed air within the tyre assembly determines the load carry ability, stability and handling. The pressure should be checked regularly when the tyres are cold.

Overinflation

Excessive air pressure causes rapid wear in the centre of the tread. There is also a greater danger of casing fracture and tread cutting damage.

Correct Inflation

The correct pressure ensures maximum mileage with satisfactory cushioning, stability and road holding properties. The tyre is kept at the contour at which it was designed to run.

Underinflation

Insufficient air pressure accelerates tread wear and throws undue stress on the tyre casing. Underinflation causes excessive flexing on the sidewall, heat buit-up and irregular tread wear. It also increases the risk of accidental damage, tread separation and tube failure, adversely affecting handling and increasing power absorption.

TREAD WEAR INDICATOR

The tread of a tyre is provided with a raised pattern or sclupture, the main purpose of which is to ensure maximum grip on wet or slippery road, and this road grip progressively decreases with tread wear. The tread wear indicator is a guide which defines the minimum tread depth compatible with safety and performance.


The minimum tread depth requirement is 1mm. The positions where these indicators are located are shown by the sign ( ▲ ) on both sides of the sidewall of the tyre.

CONDITIONS AFFECTING TREAD WEAR

A summary of the different factors that can cause abnormal wear is given below.

Underinflation / Over-loading

These conditions, singly or in combination, cause undue tread distortion resulting in irregular wear. more seriously they may result in the sudden failure of the casing due to excessive tyre flexing.

Speed

High speed means rapid tread wear, not only because of the speed itself but because of the harder acceleration and extra braking entailed.

Oil and grease

Tread rubber rapidly absorbs oil and grease and its resistance to wear deteriorates as a result.

Braking and acceleration

Excessive acceleration and hard braking subject the tyre to severe strains and rapid tread wear.

Road surfaces

Rough road surface causes cut treads and lower mileage.

Mechanical irregularities

Some of the mechanical defects which cause severe tread wear are distorted wheels, incorrect brake adjustment, worn dampers, tolerances on steering head, swinging arm bearings, wheel alignment etc.

Unbalanced wheels

Any unbalanced rotating weight such as heavy spots on the rims, security bolts etc, can cause irregular tread wear.