When you think about tire oxidation, you might not immediately realize how it affects your vehicle’s safety and performance.
Basically, it’s when oxygen exposure makes the rubber in your tires break down, becoming brittle and cracked. This isn’t just a small issue—it can lead to tire blowouts if ignored.
So, what causes this oxidation, and how can you prevent it from putting your vehicle at risk?
Let’s look at the causes and some effective prevention strategies that could keep you safe on the road.
Definition
When talking about tire oxidation, it’s important to know that this happens when rubber breaks down because of exposure to oxygen.
Keeping your tires in good shape is crucial because oxygen causes changes in the rubber, making it brittle and cracked. The rubber, which starts out flexible, loses its stretchiness and can break easily.
This wear and tear weaken the tire, so regular checks are essential. Over time, this damage can lead to tire blowouts.
Causes
Sunlight’s ultraviolet (UV) rays speed up how fast rubber in tires breaks down, mainly through a process called oxidation. When tires sit in the sun, UV light damages the rubber, making it brittle and more likely to crack.
Hot weather makes this happen even faster. Air pollution can also make things worse by reacting with the rubber.
Humidity levels play a role too; moisture can speed up the oxidation process. If tires are stored improperly, like under direct sunlight or in places with changing temperatures, they wear out faster and become less safe to use.
Prevention Strategies
To prevent your tires from aging too quickly, store them in cool, dry places where they won’t be exposed to harmful elements.
Use tire covers to protect them from sunlight and keep them out of direct sunlight.
Make sure the storage area is free from ozone sources like electric motors, as these can speed up the aging process.
Check your tires regularly for cracks or signs of brittleness, and keep them properly inflated to reduce stress.
Rotate your tires regularly to ensure they wear evenly and don’t age in one spot.
Following these simple tips will help your tires last longer and keep you safer on the road.