Tyres are seemingly simple – they are round and flat, with tough rubber that covers the outside. However, there is much more to know about tyres than just their shape, especially in off-road tyres. Unlike traditional tyres meant for paved roads, off-road tyres have deep, aggressive treads and soft rubber compounds that allow for maximum traction in difficult terrain. This article will discuss the intricacies of tyres; from tyre pressure to what kind of tyre you should get for your vehicle.
Tyre Pressure
Most motorists just inflate their tyres to the recommended level found on a sticker located somewhere on their cars. However, this method is not always accurate as conditions such as speed, load and temperature can affect how much air pressure is needed in each tyre.
For example, if you’re driving at high speed, the pressure in all four tyres must be equal so that they have the same amount of contact with the road. If not, one tyre will experience more friction than the others and thus become hot from increased rolling resistance. Another factor affecting tyre pressure is load capacity. Each tyre’s maximum load capacity is listed on its side wall; exceeding this limit can cause your car to ride uncomfortably or even fail an inspection.
To get around these problems, motorists should check their tyres regularly and adjust tyre pressure accordingly. To do this, you must equip your vehicle with a good gauge – one that measures both static and dynamic pressures.
Dynamic pressure is the amount of force required to move a wheel at a certain speed; it can be calculated using Newton’s Second Law (F=ma). Static pressure is the amount of force needed to keep the wheel stationary when it is not in motion; this can be found by dividing the car’s gross vehicle weight by the number of tyres (R=W/t).
After determining these two numbers, you can then adjust your tyre pressure accordingly. To do so, multiply the dynamic pressure by 1.3 and add it to the static pressure; this will be your new overall pressure. For example, if your car weighs 2000kg and has four tyres with a load capacity of 300kg each, you must inflate your tyres to 600Nm (+300Nm) each.
Another way to check tyre pressure is by using a road-approved digital gauge. These gauges usually have an LCD screen and are able to measure both dynamic and static pressures as well as indicate when your tyres are over or underinflated. They are quite expensive, but they’re definitely worth it if you want to save time and hassle from checking tyres manually.
Tyre Size
There are a few things to consider when choosing the right tyre size for your vehicle. Firstly, you need to know what type of car you have and how much load capacity it has – then find out if there’s another model that has more load capacity without sacrificing fuel efficiency or comfort. Secondly, you must check whether your wheels are suitable for tyres with larger diameters; if they’re not, you’ll either need to get new wheels or use an adapter ring (which comes with most high-load tyres).
Finally, you must ensure that your vehicle’s weight distribution is not affected when using bigger tyres; this can be done by checking the load rating of each tyre and making adjustments as necessary. Load ratings are usually found on a sticker on the side wall of tyres; they indicate how much load each tyre can carry without affecting handling or stability. For example, 17 inch 4wd tyres will be suitable for vehicles with a load rating of 1550kg – 2000kg.
Tread Depth
As tyres wear out, their tread depth decreases. This can cause popping and flatter tyres, which will make your car ride uncomfortably – at least until you get new ones. To prevent this from happening, motorists should check their tyre treads every two months; if they’re below the recommended depth, it’s time to replace them.
Wear indicators are located on the side walls of tyres; these can be seen in a ‘V’ shape or flat area between grooves. When these wear out, it means that your tyre is past its prime and needs to be replaced.
To check the tread depth, place a coin at the bottom of your tyre and rotate it slowly so that the coin is pressed into the grooves. If you can see the entire face of the coin from any angle, it’s time for new tyres.
Also, remember that winter tyres have much deeper treads than their summer counterparts; if these are worn out during the year, it doesn’t mean they’re bad – just that they’ve been u -used.
Tyre Widths
Most motorists just get tyres in the width that came originally on their vehicles, but this isn’t always the case. For example, wide-bodied cars such as SUVs and 4WDs can actually benefit from wider tyres; they have a greater contact area on the road and are able to handle more weight without losing traction.
If you’re driving a vehicle with narrow wheels and need to fudge a bit on tyre widths, don’t worry – most tyres are designed to be stretched and will not tear apart if stretched slightly. However, you should never stretch tyres too much as it can cause them to lose traction and fail roadworthy inspections.
