Do tire cord webs need oiling?
3 Answers
Tire cord webs need oiling. The cords inside tires are called tire cords. Related introduction: Viscose tire cords: Resistant to fatigue and heat with good dimensional stability, but they have the disadvantage of being prone to moisture absorption, which reduces strength after absorption. Mainly used in radial passenger car tires. Polyamide tire cords: High strength with good impact and fatigue resistance, but poor dimensional stability and adhesion to rubber. During use, they must undergo dipping and heat stretching treatment to improve dimensional stability and adhesion. Widely used in tires for trucks, aircraft, as well as in belts and hoses. Polyester tire cords: High strength with large initial modulus, good thermal shrinkage and dimensional stability, but they generate high heat during fatigue, are prone to amination and hydrolysis which reduce strength, and are difficult to bond with rubber. To improve adhesion, surface activation treatment and dipping are required. Widely used in passenger car tires. Aromatic polyamide tire cords: High strength and modulus with better high-temperature resistance and dimensional stability, but high cost and poor adhesion to rubber. Suitable for high-performance tires in premium cars, military vehicles, aircraft, etc.
The idea of oiling tire cords sounds novel, but as someone who frequently tinkers with cars, I think you might have misunderstood. The cord layers in automotive tires are located in the inner carcass, primarily woven from nylon or steel wires, with structural designs that inherently provide elastic support. Oiling is completely unnecessary because oily substances can penetrate and erode the rubber, causing swelling, deformation, or even tread separation. I've seen cases where people applied oil for rust prevention, only to experience tire slippage and increased braking distances. For proper tire maintenance, focus on regular pressure checks, keeping them clean and dry, and promptly rinsing off road oil stains. Safety always comes first—tires rely on friction to function, and oiling just creates problems. It's best to get a comprehensive professional inspection during seasonal changes to avoid mid-journey mishaps.
Speaking of applying oil to tire cords, it's quite a unique idea, but after years of actual driving experience, I find it unreliable. Those cords inside the tire are structural reinforcements, and applying oil is not only a waste of effort but also likely to make the tire surface slippery and reduce traction. Just imagine, if oil stains get on the sidewalls and you happen to be on a rainy highway, the risk factor doubles. I made a similar mistake when I was younger, thinking that adding some oil could prevent aging, but instead, the tire developed cracks much earlier. The correct approach is to simply check the tire pressure monthly to ensure it's stable, and when washing the car, don't forget to rinse the wheels clean to prevent dust and grease buildup. After all, tires are crucial for driving safety, and proper maintenance is the real way to save money and trouble. If there's any doubt, take it to a repair shop and let the technicians inspect it—their professional equipment ensures accurate checks.