Leading Causes of Tire Damage

Tire damage is often caused by simple, easily avoidable user errors. Maintaining the right inflation pressure (1), with the appropriate heat build-up (2) within the tire is the most important step to a prolonged tire life. Of course regular vehicle maintenance (3) and selecting the right tire for the appropriate application (4) is also necessary to ensure low costs per mile.

1 – Inflation Pressure

The weight of the load is carried by the air within the tire, not the tire itself. Maintaining the correct inflation pressure is absolutely necessary to guarantee the tire’s performance. Pressure should always be set to, and maintained at the maximum load- / -pressure specification recommended by the tire manufacturer.

COMMON MISTAKES

• Underinflating causes excessive deflection in the tire, increasing the heat level and leading to premature tire failure.
• Overinflating restricts the natural deflection of the tire, leading to premature tire failure.

SOLUTIONS

• Check the appropriate maximum load- / -pressure ratio of a tire and then calculate the best combination for your use. A lower inflation pressure limits load capacity.
• Pressure should be checked at regular intervals.
• Underinflating and overinflating should be avoided.

2 – Heat build up

Heat is the tire’s worst enemy and is caused by several factors. As a tire rotates under the weight of a vehicle and its load, it repeatedly deforms and recovers, which generates lots of energy. When this energy is released, heat builds up, making it more susceptible to wear, cuts and structural fatigue. The amount of heat build-up is determined by several factors including:

• Underinflation
• Overloading
• High speeds
• Harsh braking
• Aggressive cornering
• Poorly designed or badly maintained roads
• Working outside tire specs
• Seasonal influences

COMMON MISTAKES

• Underinflating and overinflating
• Exceeding the load capacity of a tire
• Driving at a higher speed than the designated load / speed capacity
• Non-professional driving style, with harsh braking and aggressive cornering
• Neglected road maintenance
• Poor design of the road, for example, the road is too steep
• Not taking into consideration seasonal effects

SOLUTIONS

• Underinflating and overinflating should be avoided
• Ensure the vehicle carries no more than the appropriate load capacity and drives at the corresponding speed
• Gradients in the road shouldn’t exceed 5%-6% and should be maintained regularly
• Always maintain a professional driving style to ensure a prolonged tire life.

All these factors contribute to an increased deformation / recovery process, generating more energy and heat build-up resulting in a reduced tire lifetime.

3 – Vehicle Maintenance

Finally, vehicle maintenance is another important factor for efficient use. The machine’s performance can cause severe damage to its tires. Neglecting regular vehicle maintenance can severely reduce tire life and increase its running cost.

COMMON MISTAKES

• Misalignment causing tread separation, increased and- / -or irregular tread wear, tire vibration
• Broken suspension, increased and- / -or irregular tread wear
• Fuel and oil leaks damage to the rubber compound which shortens tire life

SOLUTIONS

• Always ensure regular vehicle maintenance.

4 – Selecting the right tire

Selecting the right tread pattern will extend the tire life significantly. Your Magna Tyres representative can assist you by making this selection.

Tread Pattern – The tread pattern is designed to produce varying degrees of traction, cut, flotation, wear and heat resistance.

Tire Construction – Radial – Bias – Solid construction offer various advantages and disadvantages according you specific applications.

Compound & TKPH  – Compound and TKPH determines tire life can affect the lifespan of a tire.

Load- Speed Index – Operate at the proper loading capacity.