As tyres age, they undergo a number of changes due to environmental and mechanical wear and tear. Tyre aging is an important factor that affects the safety of your vehicle and its overall performance. Understanding the effects of tyre ageing can help you make informed decisions about replacing your tyres in Somerton and performing regular inspections.
Rubber Degradation
Rubber is a naturally occurring polymer which has excellent elasticity, abrasion resistance, strength and weather durability. Over time, however, rubber will degrade due to exposure to sunlight, water, ozone and other environmental factors. This degradation causes the rubber to become more brittle leading to cracking or even disintegration. Additionally, the tread pattern will also become less effective as it wears down due to friction on rough surfaces.
Tyre Pressure Loss
As rubber degrades, it will become porous, allowing air to slowly escape from the tyre. This can lead to a decrease in tyre pressure over time which can cause poor handling and reduced traction on wet roads. Low tyre pressures also increase fuel consumption as well as the risk of a blowout or puncture. Thus, checking your tyres for proper inflation and inspecting them regularly is essential for maintaining their performance.
Dry Rotting
Another form of degradation that occurs due to natural aging is dry rotting. This happens when rubber tyres are exposed to direct sunlight for extended periods of time without being driven or replaced regularly. The UV radiation breaks down the natural polymers present in the rubber causing it to dry out, crack, and eventually fail. This can be prevented by covering your tyres with a UV protective cover when they are not in use. Additionally, inspecting the sidewalls of your tyres for any signs of cracking or discolouration is also helpful in keeping them in peak condition.
Improper Use
If you’re using your car to carry more weight than it was designed for, then this can cause severe damage to the tyres. Overloading the vehicle adds extra strain on the suspension as well as increases the amount of heat generated within the tyres resulting in premature wear and tear. Thus, make sure that you don’t overload your car beyond its carrying capacity in order to maintain proper performance from your tyres.
Incorrect Tyre Pressure
Maintaining the correct tyre pressure is one of the most important aspects of proper car maintenance. Underinflated or overinflated tyres can lead to decreased performance and increase the risk of puncture or other damage. Therefore, it is essential that you check all four tyres once every month using a reliable pressure gauge in order to ensure that they are always within the recommended range specified by your vehicle’s manufacturer.
Improperly Aligned Wheels
Regular wheel alignment is essential for maintaining optimal performance from your tyres as well as ensuring optimal safety when driving. Poor wheel alignment will not only reduce the lifespan of your tyres but also cause them to wear unevenly which could lead to reduced performance and increased risk of accidents.
Improperly Balanced Wheels
When an unbalanced wheel rotates, it creates a vibration which can cause premature wear to tyres and suspension components. Unevenly balanced wheels will also affect steering control and handling precision which could lead to dangerous situations on the road. To avoid these issues, make sure that all four wheels are correctly balanced by a professional mechanic as often as specified in your vehicle’s owner’s manual.
Incorrect Wheel Alignment
If your car’s wheels have been misaligned, then they can rub against each other, creating premature tyre wear. Additionally, it can cause the steering to pull in one direction or another and worsen handling performance. Unfortunately, misalignment is not always immediately noticeable – so if you are experiencing any of these symptoms then have your wheels checked by an expert technician as soon as possible.
Worn Suspension Components
Your vehicle’s suspension system consists of many components that help to keep your ride smooth and comfortable. If any of these parts become worn out over time, they can cause excessive vibration which leads to uneven tyre wear and poor handling performance. Therefore, it is important to check all the suspension components regularly for signs of wear and tear and replace them if needed.
Finally, making sure that your wheels are properly balanced and aligned can help to reduce the amount of strain on your suspension system and improve the overall performance of your vehicle.
So there you have it – 3 easy steps to keep your Best tyres in Newport in top condition! Remember, if you experience any of the signs mentioned above then it’s best to get your wheels checked by an expert technician as soon as possible. Taking care of your vehicle now will ensure a smoother and more enjoyable ride for years to come.