Tyre failure is the second most cited cause of accidents caused by trucks. Tyre management is big business, ultimately lowering operating costs and improving vehicle safety and performance. Leadertread’s Conjack de Beer shares his thoughts on how to make tyres safer. 

n my opinion, the number of tyre failures and roadside incidences that occur is dependent on how effectively the process of vehicle and tyre maintenance is implemented and to what extent it is managed and controlled. Transporters are well aware of tyre costs and the impact on operating expense and one assumes they endeavour to maximise tyre usage in the fleet by extending tyre life. Most transporters therefore have an effective tyre recycling programme and a vehicle preventive maintenance programme in place in order to save on the total operational cost.

A tyre-recycling program consists of a retreading, tyre repair and wheel-refurbishing programme so that tyre life can be extended for a maximum period at minimal cost. A premium retread product will outperform a new tyre in cost per kilometre and is therefore a viable alternative to save on cost. 

Tyre safety 

A tyre is designed to contain the air that will carry a specified load at specified speeds and inflation pressures. Truck tyres and rims are exposed to tremendous forces and harsh road surfaces that can cause all kinds of damage internally and externally. If these damages are not detected in time, they may result in premature failure and pose safety risks. It is therefore imperative that good care is taken over wheel assemblies and tyres during their entire life span. If a tyre is not cared for during its first life, chances are good that it won’t last through first retreaded life. 

Quite often tyre failures are caused by poor workmanship and through lack of a good maintenance programme. Essentially, proper maintenance enables control over the factors that cause tyres to fail prematurely. 

Time out time 

Tyres that are not put out of service in time may have a safety risk as well. Unlike passenger car tyres, most truck tyres are run to failure and then removed from service. The most critical safety measures should be taken in the tyre workshop where tyres are demounted and mounted. Having the right skills and tools is extremely important. 

A good tyre workshop consists of an under-roof work area with adequate space, preferably with a concrete floor that is kept clean from dirt and dust. A compressor with adequate air capacity that efficiently reaches vehicles in the yard is a must-have. Most importantly though, is an approved safety cage anchored to the floor where tyres can be inflated. 
 

Retreading tyres is one way to reduce the cost of rolling rubber, but always use a recognised dealer or run the risk of tyre failure.

Critical eye 

• Tyres should always be inspected for defects when received from service providers.

• Rim and wheel components should be checked for fatigue and cracks. Damaged and severely rusted components must be replaced. Correct rim parts should be assembled to specific rims and all rim parts should be seated properly. 

• Ensure that correct fitting procedures are followed. Use tyre lubricants to ensure correct fitting and avoid bead damage during the process. 

• Tyres should always be deflated and all air removed prior to demounting from rims. 

• Tyres should be checked for hidden damage as far as possible. A minimum tyre removal policy should be maintained and tyres should not run into the body plies of the casing as this affects the safety aspects of the tyre and compromises wet weather traction stability. 

• Tyres should be removed for inspection when continued air loss is evident. Inflate and maintain at the correct pressure. Beware: under- inflation can lead to excessive heat build up in a tyre and lead to a blow-out during a trip. 

• Overloading and excessive speeding should be avoided as they lead to excessive flexing and heat build-up, both common causes of premature tyre failure. 

Clued up drivers 

Drivers should be made aware of factors they can control to prevent tyre damage and accidents caused by tyre failures. They should make regular tyre checks during a trip to detect any defects and defective tyres should be removed immediately. 

Some mechanical defects cause irregular tyre wear which influences vehicle stability and driver fatigue. It is important to have a good service schedule where all tyre wear patterns are analysed and corrective actions put in place.