The tires can suffer alterations such as tears, punctures, bumps or premature wear, during daily tours. In Ecuador, the National Transit Agency considers within its 28 probable causes of road accidents mechanical failures in tire systems.
According to the Comprehensive Criminal Organic Code (COIP) in art. 383, “The person who drives a vehicle whose tires are smooth or in poor condition will be sanctioned with a custodial sentence of 5 to 15 days and a reduction of 5 points on the driver’s license.” In the case of public transport, the penalty is double.
“The useful life of the tires can be compromised by errors while driving, especially those made by improperly using the braking and starting system,” explained Carlos Leal, Automundial’s Director of Fleets.
The company specializing in the manufacture of tires, Michelin, indicates on its website that after five years of use a review of the product is necessary.
The Michelin company recommends change them immediately if:
- The tread is worn beyond the recommended tread depth levels.
- The side has damage.
- Any hole in the tread is greater than 6mm in diameter.
- The bead is damaged or misshapen (the bead is the rim of the rim that sits on the wheel).
The mileage traveled is not the only determining factor to define when to change a tire. After five years or more of use, tires should be inspected by a professional at least once a year. When checking every 5,000 or 10,000 kilometers, or at the oil change, you can choose to rotate and align the tires. Rotate means that you change the rear tires to the front and vice versa to try to get an even wear.
The maximum useful life of the tires is ten years, it also depends on the brand. If the tires have not been replaced 10 years after their date of manufacture, it is recommended that they be replaced with new ones, even as a precaution and even if they appear to be in fair condition. The same for the spare ones even if they have been used very little.
What does the information on the tires mean?
Each of the tires used in automobiles has information that is inscribed in various parts of its structure. This usually consists of letters, symbols, numbers and even the carving, which provide key indications for choosing the correct tires. Each of these pieces of information works to prevent future problems.
The data
Brand and design: Indicates the name of the manufacturer and refers to the type of tire to which it corresponds. This point is important, since it helps to clearly identify the brand, which allows us to know if it is a quality manufacturer or not.
Dimension: It is usually expressed in numbers and indicates the size of the tire and the rim to which it corresponds. It is essential to select the dimension recommended by the vehicle manufacturer to maintain the established design parameters, avoiding mechanical damage and/or accidents.
Index and/or load capacity: There is also information on the maximum workload capacity. In this way, it is possible to identify the maximum weight that the tire can support without failing.
Speed index: It is an indicator that allows identifying the maximum speed at which the tire can roll, without presenting problems in its performance.
Use with or without tube: Indicates if the use of a tube is necessary for its operation.
If it is resculptable: Indicates if the manufacturer allows regrooving.
Others: You can also have information on specific uses, for example, if it is for snow.
How to read tire information:
Numbers: The numbers provide information about the dimensions of the tire. The section width of the tire is always indicated initially, then its height, type of construction and rim diameter. These data are in millimeters or inches.
Letters and numbers: They are related to the tire indices (speed and weight). They indicate tire usage parameters. To clearly understand which ones are suitable for the vehicle, it is important to consult the reference tables. The most important thing is that the chosen tire does not exceed the maximum load and speed capacities that it can support.
Tooled: It refers to the design or model of the tire. Each manufacturer names their different models according to the application of the tire. For example, he usually attributes differentiating characteristics to them. Within this aspect, it is essential that the design is consistent with the position, terrain and type of operation of the vehicle. (YO)
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.
