The tires are responsible for transmitting power, ensuring maneuverability, carrying the weight of the vehicle, passengers, additional cargo, providing comfort as part of the suspension system, among others. All these functions are fulfilled 100% when the vehicle has correct tires.
Because many occasions are chosen motivated by aesthetics or fashion, it is important to know basic aspects to make a good investment. In the case of trucks, which are used as work tools, it is even more important to select the right ones. What type, what rim, what material?
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“It is often believed that trucks adapt to any type of tire because they have superior characteristics to those of other cars. However, choosing the wrong one could cause accidents when driving or performing unexpected maneuvers. It is also believed that the engine is what gives power to the vehicle, but it cannot give its full capacity without the correct tires. That is why it is essential to prioritize technical aspects when changing or modifying tires”, explains Carlos Cruz, commercial manager of Hankook Tire.
The most common mistakes when choosing a tire are related to the height of the vehicle, the load capacity and the terrain that the vehicle frequents, as well as the manufacturers’ specifications.
● Width and height:
Not considering the height and width of the tire can affect its center of gravity, since it works as the ground point that allows the correct operation of the vehicle. They also transmit information to the speedometer and odometer, which read off your performance. To modify the size, design and type of tires, the manufacturer’s technical data sheet must be consulted, which details the ideal wheels for the truck, since these take into account aspects such as bodywork, type of steering, braking system, among others. others.
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● Load capacity:
Within the range of trucks there are hundreds of models with different characteristics that can be used for the countryside, the city or a specific job. The load capacity will depend on the kilograms that the load to be transported weighs daily, this is important to know because there are tires for trucks that have different load indexes or number of plies, depending on this aspect, the higher the load requirement, the more tarps or high load index requires the tire.
● Terrain:
Vans have become an indispensable tool for many jobs, which can be carried out inside and outside the city. The type of terrain conditions the type of tread of the tire, considering that it fulfills several functions such as: adherence to the ground, adaptation to weather conditions, heat distribution and water circulation. If the vehicle works on uncovered, mixed or completely off-road terrain, it must have the right tires for its correct operation and avoid accidents when driving.
● Materials:
The materials from which the tires are made influence the performance and safety of the vehicle. The most important aspects to take into account are: the percentage of high-grip silica, reinforced belt with a complete cover without joints, reinforced steel belt, polyester shell, fillers with different degrees of hardness, high-resistance wires, among others. In the same way, it must be taken into account that the structure of the tire has insulation, bead, casing, belt, flank, shoulder and tread.
● Pressure:
Tire pressure reduces accidents when driving, since it guarantees correct contact with the surface. Also, the tread of a tire that is under higher pressure wears out much faster in the center and will be more vulnerable if you are riding on a poor road surface or rough terrain, as it accumulates heat and water. In this way, it is advisable to know the pressure indexes that the tires must have and they must also be constantly checked.
Important information about the operation of the tires
● Tire properties generally degrade after 5 years of use, due to permanent contact with different environmental conditions.
● Some traffic accidents are usually caused by sudden maneuvers that cause the tire to lose its grip on the ground. The risk increases when subjecting the vehicle to extremely heavy loads.
● It is best to carry out a periodic review of the performance of the tires, with the aim of knowing their condition and avoiding accidents.
● In a matter of tires, it is advisable to choose recognized brands with a track record in quality, support and guarantee.
“The bigger the tires, the more load capacity they have. However, this aspect is directly related to the vehicle manufacturer’s specifications and the appropriate technical recommendation is to stick to the specifications set by the vehicle assembler. It is also recommended that before purchasing a vehicle, the use that will be given to it be determined, so that aspects of maintenance and modifications will be taken into account”, explains the specialist.
Source: Eluniverso
Paul is a talented author and journalist with a passion for entertainment and general news. He currently works as a writer at the 247 News Agency, where he has established herself as a respected voice in the industry.
