How can you make your Tire Last Longer?
A worn out tire can be dangerous, thus it is
important to be aware of the actual age of the tires so you remember when to
replace them.
Another thing to remember is that
rubber ages and as it ages, the quality deteriorates as well. So, buying new
tires doesn't necessarily means that it has been produced recently.
What
is tire aging and its causes?
Aging is a destructive effect of time
and is an unavoidable process. One of the main cause of tire aging is oxidation.
The rubber stiffens when it comes in contact with air and can start cracking.
The tires age from the inside out and can lead to blown up tire, damaged wheel
and in some cases a crashed vehicle. Thus, it is imperative to be aware of your
tires' age and inspect them regularly.
Although many manufacturers claim that
their tires can be used safely for 4-10 years, there are a few factors to consider
that can speed up the process of oxidation.
These are:
· Oxygen concentration- This is the
main cause of the problem. A higher oxygen concentration leads to faster tire
aging. Thus, a mounted tire will age faster as supposed to the stored one.
· The quality of the inner liner- The inner liner
of the tires are made of butyl rubber compound. Here, the quality of butyl
rubber compound determines the longevity of the tire.
· Usage- The constant usage causes wear and
tear and speeds up the aging process.
·
Heat- High temperature can also increase
oxidation as it increases the permeability of the rubber.
One thing to keep in mind here is that
whatever the numbers you see in regards of life expectancy of the tire is just
an estimate. As many factors affect the aging process, it is impossible to
predict the exact time to change the tires. It is important to inspect your
tires every few months for regular maintenance.
How to prevent tire damage
Taking good of tires can make your
tires last longer. Thus, regular maintenance and preventive measures can be
made.
·
Drive carefully- Being reckless
on the road can greatly affect the age of your tire. Avoiding extreme speed and
sudden break as it can boosts oxidation thus decreasing the life of your tire.
·
Use the right
tire-
There are different tire for different season for to a reason. A summer tire
can be disastrous if used during the snowfall or in winters. The extreme
temperature can be harsh for the tires life as well.
· Store tires
properly-
As the tire can age even when not mounted, it is imperative to at least keep
them in good conditions to slow down the aging process.
How
many miles before you can change tires?
According to the manufacturers, their
products should last for 60000-70000 kilometers or about 4 to 5 years of
regular use. However, as the rubber ages, various external factors greatly
affect the estimated time of the tires. A regular inspection can help you
understand exactly how long your tire will last.
Getting your tires inspected every few
months by a professional can help you determine how long will they last. Visit Harrad
auto services for all your auto
repair queries in Brampton.
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