Tyres form the sole point of contact between your car and the road, and the condition of tyres is of utmost importance to your safety and performance. Although designed to be resistant to high levels of stress, high heat may weaken their structural integrity, resulting in life-threatening failures. The causes of tyre overheating, as well as the prevention of such overheating, are important aspects that all drivers need to understand.
The Causes of the Overload of Tyre Heat
The heat emitted by the tyres is produced automatically as a result of friction between the tyre and the road surface, and the bending of the rubber compounds during the rolling of the tyre. Nonetheless, several things may cause this temperature to exceed safe limits:
1. Wrong Inflation Pressure: This is the most widespread possible culprit.
Under-inflation makes the sidewalls of the tyres stretch whilst creating a lot of internal heat. This augmented friction augments wear and strains the structure of the tyre to dangerous levels, which may cause a blowout considerably.
Excessive inflation causes the contact area of the tyre to a smaller with the road, and consequently the ride becomes rougher and the wear more localised, which may also cause the tyre to burst on impact.
2. Over Speeding and Road Rage: The high speed causes excessive friction between the tyre and the road, along with excessive tyre flexing. Raising braking and turning corners are also sources of heat.
3. Exceeding the Vehicle: Transporting more than the vehicle's or tyres' maximum load capacity means that the tyres are overloaded and strain more, to the extent of creating excessive heat.
4. External Conditions and Part Problems: Driving on hot asphalt gives a lot of heat to the tyres. Moreover, mechanical issues, e.g., the stuck brake calliper or the misaligned tyres, cause persistent, unusual friction and heat accumulation.
The Perils of a Tyre Fitter Than the Car
In the case of tyre overheating, results can vary between a decrease in performance and disastrous failure, which is highly dangerous safety-wise.
- Lowered Grip and Performance: During the process of overheating, the rubber compound may become soft, commonly referred to as going greasy, which greatly impacts traction, handling, and braking performance. This is a loss of much-needed control for the performance-oriented drivers.
- Structural Damage and Accelerated Wear: The excessive heat may cause the bonds in the materials of the tyre to be broken, and it is irreversible. Observable indicators of such damage are blisters, swellings, and fissures on the sidewalls or tyres. In the long term, this damage leads to the wear out of the tyre much quicker.
- The Blowout Risk: Most of the risks are a sudden burst of the tyre or tread separation. When the air in the tyre is heated, the pressure increases. In the event that the structure of the tyre has been compromised because of heat damage, this internal force may lead to unexpected, explosive failure, which may lead to immediate and hazardous loss of control. It is a gamble you must never risk.
Preventive Heat Management: Your Protection Plan
Good maintenance and conscientious driving are the main concepts in managing tyre heat. The following are the necessary steps that you can follow:
- Frequent Pressure Tests: Check the tyre pressure at least once a month and never forget to check it before a long trip. Perform this on cold tyres (before driving or after waiting some hours). It is always recommended to adhere to the recommended PSI that is given on the manufacturer's sticker, which is normally located on the driver's side door jamb.
- Invest in Quality Tyres: When buying quality tyres, one of the things that should be given serious consideration is the issue of quality and heat-resistant tyres that are of good quality and belong to reputable brands such as Continental Tyres Richmond. Such tyres are developed using advanced compounds to be able to deal more with the thermal strains of driving.
- Check Wear and Damage: Check regularly: Check the apparent wear, i.e., tread depth (use 20p test) and any apparent cuts, bulges or cracks.
- Drive Smart: Do not accelerate suddenly, do not hard brake, and drive at high speeds, especially when it is hot. When making long trips, always make frequent stops that allow the tyres to cool.
- Local Experts Matter: In case you are living in the UK, where the weather could change drastically in a moment, it is invaluable to seek the services of a local tyre expert who would advise you on the type of tyres roads need. They will be in a position to make sure that your car tyres are fitted properly, balanced, and within the proper state to fit your driving conditions.
Tyre heat management should not be an added cost to maintenance; it is a matter of safety that should not be overlooked, as it will ensure that your car tyres last longer and that everyone is safe on the road.
Conclusion
Tyre overheating is caused by under-inflation and excessive speed/load, risking blowouts and failure. Proper maintenance and regular checks are vital. Ensure you source quality Car Tyres Richmond and maintain correct pressure to manage heat and maximise safety and lifespan.