Tires are supporting components that bear the entire weight of a car; hence, they can be easily damaged due to poor driving habits.
Over or Under Inflation:
Overinflating the tires beyond the recommended pressure can lead to tire blowouts upon contact with sharp objects like stones, curbs, or during prolonged driving in hot weather conditions.
On the contrary, underinflated tires will wear out quickly due to increased contact surface, particularly when carrying heavy loads, affecting the rims and shock absorbers.
Manufacturers recommend inflating tires according to the pressure stated on the door sticker. During winter, slightly more inflation might be needed, and less during summer, but it should not exceed 0.1 kgf/cm2 (commonly referred to as “bar”). It’s advisable not to deviate from the tire specifications provided by the manufacturer.
Improper Parking:
Some drivers tend to park with the wheels turning, applying pressure on different tires, causing uneven wear between those touching the road and those on the curb. This parking method can also lead to uneven suspension wear. In severe cases, half on the road and half on the sidewalk parking can result in deformed wheels.
Parking too close to the curb may cause tires to be pressed against the concrete, leading to tears or punctures due to sharp edges.
Parking under direct sunlight can also be damaging, as the rubber endures more heat. Sloped parking might distribute weight unevenly, resulting in quicker deterioration.
Hence, drivers should be cautious. If the car remains stationary for an extended period, inflate the tires slightly above the manufacturer’s recommendation, choose a flat parking spot, and start the engine at least once a week to move 100-200 meters to maintain tire elasticity.
Overloading:
Each vehicle has a specific load capacity compatible with its design. Regularly overloading the vehicle exceeds this limit and impacts the tires first. The entire weight concentrates on the four tires, causing quicker wear and reducing their lifespan or even leading to tire bursts.
Sudden Acceleration or Braking:
Many are unaware that sudden acceleration or abrupt braking while driving can increase tire wear. Abrupt speed changes result in intense friction between the tire and the road surface, leading to uneven tire wear, faster degradation, and reduced tire lifespan.