Last Updated on 22 July 2024 by automobilehut.in

The tire is the unsung hero of a vehicle. A tire can determine the vehicle’s stability. So, maintaining vehicle stability depends on the tire selection and the tires. In this article, I will discuss the 8 different ways to increase the life of the tire.

Increase Life of The Tire

The life of the tire depends basically on the care we take. In buses, these tires give satisfactory service for 50 to 50 thousand km whereas in cars they run up 20 to 30 thousand km. In case the tyres have been properly looked after this mileage can be double up. To increase life let us study certain basic maintenance rules.

The total 8 rules are discussed below-

1. Overloading

The vehicle should be loaded to the extent of its capacity fixed by the manufacturer. In case it is overloaded, over and above fast wearing of other parts, the tire will run hot, and the side pliers of the tire will get loosened and soon come out and will make the tire useless. As such the vehicle should always be correctly loaded.

2. Wrong Loading

Wrong While loading the vehicle, especially trucks, care should be taken to place the load in the center of the body. Load in no case should be kept at the rear or front or on one tire only as it will cause that tire to run hot and fail prematurely.

3. Over-Inflating Tire

Some of the drivers, either due to curiosity or for the sake of carrying an extra load, put a little extra pressure on the tire. This is a wrong presumption as the over-inflated tires neither get the extra capacity to bear the load nor are made strong. On the contrary, the cards fitted in the tyre become loose which eventually makes it useless.

Over and above this due to higher pressure in tires, it does not absorb road shocks, as such these are transmitted to the chassis. In Fig. 32.17, you will see properly inflated and over­ inflated tires. You will notice that the tread contact area of the over-inflated tire is much less than compared to a properly inflated tire. This will result in faster wearing of the tread at the crown of the tires.

4. Under-inflation

Sometimes, the drivers do not pay attention to properly inflated tyres and run with less Under such circumstances tread in the centre of the crown is slightly lifted while both shoulders get bulged out. This building out of the shoulder makes the card lose inside the tire and the tire run not resulting in premature failure.

5. Bleeding of Tires

You must have seen some drivers after coming from a long journey checking the tire pressure and setting it right by reducing the pressure. This is a wrong practice. Tyre should never be checked for pressure when it is hot. Allow it to cool down and then check the pressure. It has been observed that in case air is bled from a hot tire and the vehicles run after it, this lower pressure will make the tire run very hot and the temperature will go on rising, as such air should never be bled from a hot tire.

6. Driving Habits

Driving habits play an important role in increasing or decreasing the life of the tires. Let us study these :

• Taking sharp turns.
• Careless driving the wheel rubs against pedestrian stones or makes the wheel ride on it.
• Fast running on rough stoney road.
• Fast running of the vehicle.
• Using harsh brakes.
• Starting the vehicle with sudden acceleration to make the tire spin.
• Regularly remove foreign matter from the treads of tires.
• Excessive use of brakes.

7. Matching of Tires

In trucks and buses where dual wheels are fitted on the rear axle, the height of both tires should be the same. In case it is not possible then the height difference should not be more than 1/2″ failing which the bigger diameter tire will be carrying all the load. Due to being overloaded, it will run hot and fall prematurely.

8. Mechanical Faults

Any defect in the vehicle, especially in the steering system, accelerates tire wear. A good mechanic can find out the fault in the system by checking tire wear patterns. Excessive tire wear due to mechanical defects is due to the following.

• Toe in or toe out defectively.
• Wrong setting of camber angle.
• Wrong setting of caster angle.
• Bront front axle.
• Bent chassis.
• Grabbing of brakes.
• Worn out hub bearings.

Conclusion on Increase Life of the Tire

Any defect in the vehicle, especially in the steering system, accelerates tire wear. A good mechanic can find out the fault in the system by checking tire wear patterns. So, increasing the life of the tire is important for the overall performance of the vehicle. It will make the vehicle fuel efficient, as it runs smoothly on the road.

Frequently Asked Questions(FAQ’S)

How often should I check my tire pressure to extend its lifespan?

Regularly check your tire pressure at least once a month and before long trips. Proper inflation can significantly increase tire life.

How does proper wheel alignment contribute to tire longevity?

Correct wheel alignment ensures even tire wear. Have your alignment checked annually or if you notice irregular tire wear patterns.

How does maintaining the recommended speed limit contribute to tire longevity?

Driving within the recommended speed limits reduces heat buildup, decreasing tire wear. Excessive speed can generate excess heat, leading to premature tire failure.

Can extreme temperatures affect tire life, and how should I manage this?

Extreme temperatures, both hot and cold, can impact tire performance. Adjust tire pressure according to seasonal changes and store them in a climate-controlled environment when possible.