4X4 vehicles are popular among off-rad enthusiasts and these are able to tackle a variety of terrains. But the effectiveness of the vehicle in a rough terrain depends on its components. And of these components is the tyre. These tyres can wear out over time and with high exposure to different conditions. In this article, we are making it easy for you to spot any issues with the tyres so you can make sure they are in good condition for your next road trip.
There are certain things you can check to determine the condition of your tyres.
One such feature is the tread depth. This indicates the amount of traction the tyre can provide you with. With time the tread depth will slowly reduce and this will affect its ability to grip the surface of the road properly. There are legal minimum tread depths but these vary by state and local areas. But as a rule of thumb, it is considered that a tread depth that is less than 1.6mm is unsafe. However, when you notice that the tread depth is about 2 to 3mm, it is best to replace it. There are many tyre suppliers like Treadworx Chirnside Park that you can go to for tyre solutions. When you are inspecting the tyres, you may see a puncture or damage to the sidewall. There are some punctures that can be repaired but severe damage to the tyre will require replacement. Check if there are any areas the tyre is bulging out unusually or any other visible damage like cuts.
Replacing your tyres on time is especially important when you are travelling over difficult terrains.
But no matter where you’re driving, you should inspect your tyres now and then for any damage or irregularities. For example, you may get some information by looking at the wear pattern of your tyre. This can tell you a lot about what type of issues you are dealing with, whether the tyres are not inflated properly or if there are issues related to the suspension or alignment. Some of the signs you should look for are feathering cupping or scalloping on the tread surface. If these are present they can affect the performance of the tyre. The tyre will not be able to grip the road surface properly and you will be facing many safety risks. If you see an irregular pattern on your tyre tread, it is best to have it seen by a professional.
Age also leads to the deterioration of tyres.
If you are driving in conditions where your tyres are exposed to very high temperatures and sunlight, the rubber compound of the tyres can degrade. And of course, high frequency of use also contributes to this. While the general rule of thumb is replacing tyres once they are above six years in use, you may need to change them if you go off-roading where your tyres experience more rough wear than usual city roads. When tyres start wearing out, you will see that traction and handling of the vehicle is reduced. This means, if you are driving on wet surfaces, your tyres will not be able to grip the surface effectively. And you will also notice that the stopping distance increases. When the performance of the tyre drops like this, you will need to replace it immediately.
