Whenever it comes to vehicle owners checking tyres’ condition, they mostly consider the tyre tread depth. For them, if the tread depth is above the legal limit, the tyre is fine and will work well. But drivers don’t understand that the tyre tread depth is not the only factor that determines how tyres will perform. Factors like heat, sunlight, weather conditions, storage and the way a vehicle is used also influence performance. If a tyre has low annual mileage, it does not guarantee the best performance in the long term. As tyres age, their overall performance shifts, which may affect grip, flexibility, and overall performance. This blog post explains in detail the importance of considering a tyre’s age and how it influences the performance.
Changes in Rubber as Tyre Ages
Tyre rubber is a material designed to remain flexible even while carrying a load. The rubber is a combination of materials designed to stay flexible while supporting the car and gripping the road. But the rubber can change its properties because of factors like oxidation, among other environmental factors. The rubber might get more rigid with age, especially if it has faced severe conditions over long periods of time. These factors may cause tyre wear and tear even when there is sufficient tyre tread left. If the tyre is old and hasn't been used for a long time, it still needs a thorough inspection. The rate of ageing can vary considerably, which is why no single visual sign applies to every tyre.
Does Low Mileage Always Mean Tyres in Good Condition
It is easy to assume that tyres fitted to a low-mileage vehicle will remain in suitable condition for as long as the tread appears deep. Nevertheless, mileage only indicates a tyre's usage on the road. It does not reflect the effects of time, storage, and ageing. A rarely used vehicle can sit parked in one place for a long time, and the tyres still face factors like temperature changes and ageing. Additionally, lack of use can cause drivers to overlook negative changes in tyres’ performance. For this reason, low mileage should not be treated as the only indicator of tyre condition. Regular visual checks remain important, particularly on vehicles that are not driven frequently.
Visible Cracking Means Deterioration
Small cracks may sometimes develop in the tyre's rubber as it ages. These can appear on the sidewall or elsewhere and may indicate the tyre needs a professional assessment. Cracking can be serious, depending on where it occurs and the tyre's overall condition. Similarly, cuts, bulges, and any other exposure of the internal tyre parts can also indicate tyre damage and need attention. This will make it easier to detect any signs of tyre damage visually, although not all the hidden defects can be detected this way. In case there has been a major impact on the tyre or any visible change in its shape, then further inspection should be done. Checking other parts apart from the tread depth can help reveal possible issues.
Tyre Age Impacting Grip and Driving Performance
Tyre performance relies on various rubber characteristics and properties used in its manufacture. As the rubber ages, it degrades, becomes less flexible, and may react differently than it did when the tyre was new. This can affect the car's performance under different braking and cornering conditions, as well as in changing weather. The change becomes more apparent in wet weather conditions since the tyre's effectiveness relies on both the tread and the grip. Having enough tyre tread does not always mean the tyres are in good condition for use. Checking the entire tyre, including its tread, sidewalls, and visible structural condition, gives a broader sense of its ability to perform as intended.
How Storage and Environmental Conditions Affect Tyre Ageing
The place where a vehicle is kept can affect how quickly its tyres age. Long exposure to The place where the vehicle is parked and where tyres are stored could affect how fast the tyres age. Exposure to sun, high temperatures, and weather conditions accelerates ageing and makes the tyres more rigid. A car which has been left outside for months would age differently compared to the one which has been stored under shelter. The tyre pressure should be taken into account during the long-term storage, as wrong tyre pressure will add additional strain on it. Despite all, proper storage won’t stop the tyres from ageing. Before using a car again after a long period of inactivity, drivers should inspect car tyres Bristol for signs of damage and check that the pressure is at the recommended level.
Conclusion
Tyre tread depth is important for safety, but it is not the only thing drivers should check. The tyre tread depth is essential for safety; however, there is more to consider than just the tread. The tyre may still be in good condition according to its tread. But signs of age or wear and tear may still be visible. Tyres don't necessarily have to be old or have travelled many miles to show signs of wear. Therefore, besides checking the pressure and the tread, other signs of possible issues should be checked as well, as well as keeping the pressure at the recommended level. Regular checks make it easier to spot problems early and decide when a tyre may need closer attention or replacement.
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