Does a Broken Steel Wire in a Tire Have Any Impact?
3 Answers
Yes, it has an impact and the tire should not be used anymore. It is recommended to replace it immediately. Below is relevant information about tires: Introduction: Tires are circular elastic rubber products assembled on various vehicles or machinery for rolling on the ground. They are usually mounted on metal rims to support the vehicle body, cushion external impacts, ensure contact with the road surface, and guarantee the vehicle's driving performance. Function: Tires are often used under complex and harsh conditions, enduring various deformations, loads, forces, and high and low temperatures during operation. Therefore, they must possess high load-bearing performance, traction performance, and cushioning performance. At the same time, they are also required to have high wear resistance and flex resistance, as well as low rolling resistance and heat generation. Half of the world's rubber consumption is used for tire production, highlighting the significant demand for rubber in tire manufacturing.
Last time I drove my friend's used car, I encountered a problem with a broken steel wire in the tire. During that period, I always felt the car was shaking badly on the highway. Later, when I took it to the repair shop, sure enough, one of the steel wires was cracked. Actually, the steel wires inside the tire are used to support the carcass structure. If one breaks, it destabilizes the entire structure and increases the risk of a blowout, especially during turns or emergency braking. Don’t underestimate just one small steel wire—it’s like the rebar in a house. Once damaged, it reduces the tire's durability and safety. I remember that time it was the front wheel that had the issue, but if it had happened to the rear wheel, it would have been even more dangerous because the rear wheels are responsible for driving and control. My advice is to stop and check the tire pressure immediately if you notice anything similar, and look for bulges or deformations on the tire surface. Then, head to a professional shop to replace the tire as soon as possible. Don’t try to save money on this—otherwise, you might end up losing control on a long-distance highway trip one day. Regular tire maintenance is also crucial. When washing your car, ask the mechanic to quickly inspect the tread to minimize potential hazards.
I remember back when I was driving trucks for long hauls, I encountered broken tire steel belts several times. At first, I didn't know better and thought it was just a minor flaw, but continuing to drive would make the steering feedback sluggish, sometimes accompanied by squeaking noises. The impact is significant—broken steel belts cause uneven internal tire stress, accelerating wear and affecting fuel efficiency and braking distance. It's like trying to walk with a cracked bone in your body; the car becomes unstable, and in severe cases, it can even lead to suspension system issues. I recommend that after parking, you squat down and feel the tire edges. If you notice unevenness or hear metallic grinding sounds, it's likely a steel belt problem. Addressing it promptly can save you bigger headaches, like opting for a quality tire instead of cheap retreads. Additionally, seasonal temperature fluctuations can exacerbate this issue, with summer heat causing road expansion and contraction as common triggers. For prevention, try to avoid parking on sharp objects that could damage the wheel rims.
