What Causes Tire Deformation?
3 Answers
The causes of tire deformation are introduced as follows: 1. Tire quality issues: If the tire has quality problems or the rubber has aged, its elasticity will decrease, resulting in the tire being unable to return to its original shape after deformation. Poor tire quality can also cause the rubber surface to crack and the internal structural layers to delaminate, leading to bulges during deformation. 2. Neglecting tire pressure checks: Excessive tire pressure can overstretch the tire cords, reducing the tire's elasticity and increasing the load on the car during driving. Insufficient tire pressure can increase tire deformation, cause cracks on the tire side, and generate flexing motion, leading to excessive heat and accelerating rubber aging.
I've driven quite a few cars, and there are several most common causes of tire deformation. Poor driving habits, such as frequently hitting potholes at high speeds or bumping hard against curbs, can cause the internal cords of the tire to break under impact, gradually leading to deformation and bulging. Overloading is also a common cause of tire damage, especially for trucks—it's crucial not to exceed the load limit. Abnormal tire pressure is particularly troublesome; long-term underinflation causes uneven wear and deformation on both sides of the tire, while overinflation wears out the center. I've seen several cars suffer from inaccurate tire pressure gauges, which is why I now rely on digital tire pressure monitors for peace of mind. Another easily overlooked factor is parking conditions. Parking for extended periods on uneven ground or always tilting to one side can cause uneven pressure distribution on the tires, leading to deformation within a year or so. Such deformed tires are especially dangerous at high speeds, as they can make the steering feel unstable. If you notice this, replace the tires immediately.
Having worked in the workshop repairing cars for over a decade, I've disassembled thousands of deformed tires. More than 80% of them suffered internal carcass damage, which can be categorized into several scenarios: one is when the driver hits a deep pothole at high speed, causing instantaneous impact that breaks the cord layers. Another common cause is prolonged underinflation, where the tire repeatedly folds and rubs against itself during driving, leading to ply separation. Sidewall scrapes against curbs often result in deformation too – though the surface may only show minor scratches, several internal cords might have snapped. I've encountered a few special cases: crown belt steel wire corrosion, mostly occurring in coastal areas; and snow-melting agent corrosion on sidewalls causing deformation during winter. During inspections, pay attention to subtle deformations that are hard to spot visually – running your hands along both the inner and outer sides of the tire can reveal uneven surfaces. Repaired tires are also prone to deformation, so I recommend replacing entire sets for tires older than five years.
