Should the Stones in Tire Treads Be Removed?

[Cory]

Stones lodged in the treads of car tires should be removed. The hazards of having small stones in tire treads are as follows: 1. Noise generation: Generally, you can detect stones in the tires by listening carefully while driving. The faster the speed, the higher the frequency of noise, indicating that stones are stuck in the treads. When stones are trapped in the tires, you can clearly hear the sound of stones rubbing against the road surface while driving, which may severely impair the driver's judgment of road conditions. 2. Impact on tire performance: The grooves on tires are designed for drainage. When filled with small stones, the drainage efficiency is reduced. Driving on wet and slippery roads in rainy conditions can weaken the tire's grip or braking performance, increasing the risk of skidding. On highways, this may even lead to brake failure. 3. Risk of air leakage or blowouts: Some sharp stones may puncture the outer rubber layer of the tire during high-speed driving. If the inner tube is also punctured, it can cause air leakage. Although many small stones may not appear sharp enough to penetrate the steel belts in the tire body, they can damage the rubber protecting the steel wires, exposing them to air and causing rust, which eventually leads to blowouts. Additionally, stones stuck in tire treads hitting the road surface at high speeds can cause localized temperature increases in the tire, which over time may also result in blowouts. 4. Potential harm to pedestrians: At high speeds, stones trapped in tire grooves can be flung out, potentially injuring pedestrians.