Common Failure Modes of Automotive Tires
Tires on a car are a critical component to its safety and performance, as they provide the necessary grip and traction to control the vehicle while driving. While they typically last a long time, it is important to be aware of some of the common failure modes of tires in order to recognize when they may have become worn or damaged.
Flat Spotting
Flat spotting, or flat-spot wear, occurs when the tread of a tire becomes flat and smooth due to excessive heat and/or pressure. This usually happens suddenly, when the tire is overinflated or driven over a bump or pothole. In the short term, flat spotting can cause the tire to become more rigid and less able to grip the surface, leading to an uncomfortable and jerky ride. Long-term, it can cause the treads to become prematurely worn and the tire to become unsafe.
Uneven Wear
Uneven wear is a common cause of tire failure, and occurs when the tread from one side of the tire is worn away more quickly than the other. This can be due to issues with alignment or camber, or the suspension of the vehicle being out of balance, causing the tires to wear unevenly. Even wear is essential for even contact with the surface, and with time, uneven wear can cause the tread to become too shallow or even bare, significantly reducing the tire’s grip and performance.
Excessive Wear
Another common cause of tire failure is excessive wear, which can occur due to aggressive driving maneuvers or driving at high speeds over rough terrain. It can cause the tread to be worn down over relatively short amounts of time, especially when the driver is accelerating and braking hard while cornering. Once the tread has been sufficiently worn, it can lead to reduced grip and a lack of traction, which can put the driver and occupants at risk.
Bubbling
Bubbling, or blistering, is another defect that can spell trouble for tires, and is caused when the sidewall of the tire bulges out, bulging in and out from the center like a balloon. This can be caused by weather, old age, or poor storage, and can cause the tire to be weak and prone to rupture or blowouts. These bubbles can also interfere with the air pressure within the tire, leading to an increase in wear on the surrounding treads.
Tire Separation
Tire separation is a severe type of tire failure (especially in radial tires) that results in the tire peeling away from the wheel due to a loss of adhesion between the two pieces. Poor design and manufacturing, incorrect installation, or prolonged exposure to extreme temperatures can cause tires to separate from the wheel, reducing the amount of grip available, and creating a potentially dangerous situation.
Tread Chunks
Chunks are pieces of the tire tread that peel away from the tire, caused by poor design or manufacturing and typically found on new or relatively new tires. While this issue is not typically as serious as other types of tire failure, it can still lead to a reduction in grip as the treads become more shallow with each chunk of tread missing.
All of these are common failure modes of automotive tires and can have serious deleterious effects on the overall safety and performance of your vehicle. Regular inspections of your tires is key to ensuring they are in top condition and are not at risk of any of the above issues. You should check them at least twice a year and replace them if any signs of wear or damage can be found.
