Common Tyre Problems

Today we will discuss the common tyre problems faced by the motorists. As the tyre costs are high and second to only fuel cost, it needs to be taken care of. This guide will enable you to spot out the fault and get it corrected at the instant so as to avoid potential problems caused by tyre failure. There are some common tyre faults/defects/problems discussed as under:

·        Overinflation: In this condition the tyre is inflated more than recommended tyre pressure by the manufacturer. There is a common belief that more load can be carried on more air pressure and that it increases the load bearing capacity of the tyre. Actually, it’s the other way around. Over inflated tyres are like overinflated balloons and are more prone to cuts and damages. This condition normally wears out the centre of the tyre and will shorten its life.

·         Underinflation: This is the condition in which the pressure is less than the recommended pressure by the manufacturer. Too little pressure in the tyre results in the blowing up of tyres as a result of the heat build-up. It also results in punctures, putting load on the steering, delayed or less responsive car reaction. Extended braking time etc. The other visible effect of underflation is rapid shoulder wear, which means the shoulders of tyre are in constant touch to the road, more than the centre of tyre.

·         Cracking:

Too much heat or too much cold weakens the tyre and develops cracks on the tyre making it unserviceable.

Age makes the tyre brittle and it begins to crack as it gets old.

Too much air or too little air inflation also makes the tyre to crack with time.

·         Abnormal wear and tear: The motorist has to keep an eye on the tyres for any kind of an abnormal wear. The abnormal wear reduces the life of the tyre drastically and may even result in accidents or create potential problems to the motorist. This condition could be a result of misalignment, if there is an uneven wear on the front tyres or the rear tyres or if the car is pulling to one side. The alignment has to be done for correction of this defect.

·         Cuts or other damages resulting in punctures: Cuts or punctures or any other kind of damage results in tyre damage if the vehicle is not stopped in time to avoid it being run flat. The deflation could be caused because of a leaking valve, punctures, damaged wheel allowing the air to leak resulting in tyre deflation, old tyres unable to hold air not sealing the tyre with the rim and allowing the air to leak and deflate the tyre resulting in tyre damage.

Hope this article is of help to the people who are not aware of the common tyre problems, Please let me know if you have any questions or queries on the above topic. You can also let me know the next topic to be discussed.

Components used in Tyres

                                                     Components used in Tyres


There are many as 60 ingredients (Raw Materials) which go into making of a pneumatic rubber tyre. Normally, it looks very simple and seems its very easy to make a tyre. In practicality its the other way around. There are rubber compounds such as Polymers, Fillers, Softeners, Andidegradents, curatives and Reinforced materials such as Nylon, Polyester, Rayon, Aramid, Steel and Bead Wire.

However, the tire compounder knows how to adjust the property of the compounds as per the performance areas. The wet and snow tyres do not perform well in the chip and tear areas or are not as fuel efficient. So all these areas have to be defined to the compounder so that an apt product is produced which suits the terrain. The compounding of OEM as well as replacement tyres are engineered and balanced to meet their performance criteria. The compounding also has to be cost competitive for the company.


Rubber Compounds:
Polymers: are the backbone of rubber compounds. They could be of natural or of synthetic rubber.
Fillers: The most common filler is carbon black although other materials, such as silica, are used to reinforce the compound by giving compound some unique properties.
Softeners: Petroleum oils, pine tar, resins and waxes are all softeners that are used in compounds principally as processing aids and to improve tack or stickiness of unvulcanized compounds.
Antidegradents: Waxes, antioxidants, and antiozonants are added to rubber compounds to help protect tyres against deterioration by ozone, oxygen and heat.
Curatives: During vulcanization or curing, the polymer chains become linked, transforming the viscous compounds into strong, elastic materials. Sulfur along with accelerators and activators help achieve the desired properties.

Reinforced Material:
Nylon: Is used in forming plies on the crown of the tyre as well as in the body part.
Polyester: Its used as radial body plies and some limited application as body plies.
Rayon: Its used as body plies as well as in belt reinforcements. Its also used in some run flat tyres.
Aramid: Its stronger than polyester and nylon material and can be used as an alternative to steel cords.
Steel: Its a steel cord coated with brass that has been drawn, plated twisted and wound into multiple filament bundles. Its basically used as the principal belt ply material used in radial passenger car tyres.
Bead Wire: Its a carbon steel wire coated with bronze that has been produced by drawing and plating. Its placed on two sides of the tyres as hoops which enables the tyre to be firmly fixed on the rim.

Please drop in your comments and let me know what should be my next topic for you.

Tyre Specifications for beginners

Tyre specifications are written on the sidewall which needs to be deciphered to know exactly what it means. The information given on the sidewall of the tyre is as follows:

1. Width- Cross Section width of the tyre (always in mm).
2. Profile- Aspect Ration (%age of the Cross section width).
3. Diameter- Rim Diameter (always in inches).
4. Load- Load Index.
5. Speed- Speed Rating.

The load Index corresponds to the load capacity given in the diagram below. That shows the load bearing capacity of the tyre. The diagram given below depicts the LI of the tyres.                        

The speed category is designated by the alphabets as given in the diagram below.                         

If there is any clarification needed then you can please ask questions in the comment box. We shall discuss all aspects related to tyres. If you want information on a specific topic, then please let me know. We shall take it up soon.                                                                                                            

Tyre Usage

This is the introductory blog of Tyre Gyan in which we would be discussing the usage of tyres. Tyres are the most important part of the vehicle and has a high replacement cost. We should always take care of our tyres as they are expensive and also have an important part to play in our safety while the vehicle is moving.

The usage of tyres are as follows:

1. Controlling the movement of the vehicle.

2. Carrying the load.

3. Absorption of shocks on the road while moving.

4. The tyres help in handling, turning, cornering, braking etc.

5. Critical contact point between the road and the vehicle.

It is always important to wear good tyres with sufficient Tread depth so that in case of emergency braking and rainy seasons we are able to avoid accidents and other unfortunate incidents.