But no one can guarantee you anything if you exceed its useful life. This occurs when the tires have lost their tread pattern (legally they can run up to a minimum thickness of 1.6 mm, but replacement is recommended after 2 mm), have suffered alterations in their external structure or internal (the latter is more difficult to detect if it is not in a laboratory) or, simply, if its components have lost their properties due to aging.
For example, if the car has run on the same tires for too many kilometers, everyone understands that they must be replaced. But what if it has been parked in the same place for weeks or even months? Most likely too. Even if it was in the best of garages? Yes. Because apart from the possible deformations of the rubber, the dreaded crystallization will have been accelerated.
Do not exceed four or five years with the same tires
This phenomenon occurs when the components of a tire lose their capabilities over time, due to disuse, inadequate storage or maintenance, or prolonged exposure to the sun, rain, or snow... Or, simply, because Its manufacturing date (which appears on the side in the form of a DOT code or number and does not have to coincide with the assembly date) exceeds four or five years.
And this would affect what concerns us today in this article as the kilometers pass: the lack of safety (that is, whenever we talk about elements such as wheels) and the breakdowns directly or indirectly associated with driving with tires in poor condition. .
Therefore, don't risk it or the consequences will end up being much more serious than you think, for those around you... and, of course, even for your pocketbook.
Damage to the Cover Itself
The first breakdown we are going to talk about here occurs in the tire itself when it is not moving. And that, after the recent cold and snowstorm, has been common. And thus, a wheel in good condition immediately begins to fail and cause many others. In the photo, for example, the tread is rotting due to humidity, leaf litter... and the lack of pressure that it also shows.
Pressure Sensors
One of the things that can fail due to tires in poor condition is the values of these pressure sensors because they are not calibrated to work with this type of anomalies (uneven and inconstant pressure, vibrations, continuous alerts on the instrument panel ) they will be of no use to you in the event of a real leak!
Parallel and Balanced
Crystallized, 'square' (deformed), hardened rubbers... remain fewer kilometers with correct balance and parallel. This causes greater and uneven wear, more vibrations (to the point that the counterweights come off), and other breakdowns than you see here.
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Valves
They are the great forgotten ones within, in turn, this 'dark and round' world of today, which some do not remember either except when they can no longer delay changing tires. But if these are very old, the valves will not be full, nor clean nor will they close well. If they leak, wheels and other elements will age faster.
Uneven Wear
A tire is a vicious... circle. If it is not in good condition for the reasons described, it will deform sooner. But this could also be due to a lack of maintenance of the wheel itself (balanced, parallel) or of those elements (suspension, steering, brakes, tires) that it, in turn, could damage. Don't let it happen! Uneven wear will be the cause or consequence of dangerous mechanical problems.
Brakes
No, it is not our exaggeration. The tires work in conjunction with the brakes every time you step on the pedal. And if the first ones are bad, the discs, pads, and calipers - or the shoes, cylinders, and drums, in the models that have them - will end up suffering. And be careful: the braking distance will always increase.
Bearings
Another element that could be seriously compromised by wheels in poor condition is those that connect the rim to the vehicle. Many don't know what bearings are until they fail. And wear could show up sooner due to a defective tire (crystallized, flat, deformed) and its vibrations. In addition to the risk of catching the flu (and the wheel locking), it generates noise, and shaking, and repair is not cheap.
Tires
In the same way that a rim in poor condition could damage the tire and be the beginning of other mechanical misfortunes that we discuss here, if the tire rolls under pressure, vibrates, does not adequately absorb the irregularities of the terrain or all at the same time, the tire could also be compromised, become dented or split on a bump, pothole or sinkhole.
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Conclusion
Tire maintenance is not just about extending the life of the tires but is integral to overall vehicle safety and performance. Regular checks, understanding the signs of wear, and timely replacements are essential. Neglecting tire maintenance can lead to a range of problems, from sensor malfunctions to compromised braking and bearing damage, ultimately affecting your safety and incurring higher costs.
FAQ
What is the minimum legal tread depth for tires?
The minimum legal tread depth for tires is 1.6 mm.
How often should tires be replaced, regardless of their usage?
Tires should generally be replaced every four to five years, regardless of usage.
What can uneven tire wear indicate?
Uneven tire wear can indicate issues with wheel alignment, balance, or problems with the vehicle's suspension or braking system.