5 tips to avoid a tyre burst in the UAE this summer

Every year in summer the number of accidents due to tyre bursts rises. Where the risk of a bursting tyre is there all-year-round, the high temperatures of the UAE only increase the chances and therewith the need of extra care.

You can compare it to the human body; we need extra care during summer too. We might apply sun screen or sunglasses to protect ourselves from the sun. Our vehicle tyres also need this extra care, says tyre-maker Michelin.

“The extreme heat we are all too familiar with in this part of the world can be taxing for your car and its different parts. And not in the least for the tyres, as long trips, heavy loads, high speeds and higher temperatures all put additional stress on them,” says the company.

The five following tips were selected to guide UAE road users towards a safe summer on the road.

#1 Check all tyres – regularly

All tyres – including the spare – should be checked regularly, not only the tyres that you might worry about.

There is a reasonably conductive check-up that anyone can do. Look for any visible signs of wear or damage, such as deep cracks, exposed cables, cuts or uneven wear of the tyres.

The depth of the tyre tread indicates the remaining service life. To determine the tread depth, a tread depth gauge can be used. Whereas a new tyre usually has a depth of 8mm, the minimum legal requirement for a tread in motor cars in the UAE is 1.6mm, and motorists are recommended to change a tyre when its tread is 3mm.

The tread depth gauge can be purchased at any tyre specialist. Regularly check the tread depth at several points on the tyre and consult a specialist in case of doubt.

#2 Check the tyre pressure – once a month

Check the pressure of your tyres at least once a month. The air pressure in the tyre drops naturally at the rate of up to two pounds of air every month. However, high temperatures can increase the drop.

Apart from the fact that they wear more quickly, poorly inflated tyres affect the overall performance of the vehicle, including braking distance, handling, safety and fuel consumption.

Tyre pressure can easily be checked with an air gauge; simply remove the valve cap and fit the air gauge to the valve. The correct tyre pressure is different for each tyre, depending on the manufacturer. You can find the recommended inflation pressure near the door latch on the driver’s side or in your car’s manual.

It is important to always check the pressure when the tyres are cold, meaning you have not driven the car for at least 2 hours or for not more than 3km. If you do check the pressure when the tyres are warm, then add 0.3 bar to the recommended level.

The pressure should be measured on all 4 tyres and after every adjustment made.

#3 Check the tyre balance – when you feel a vibration

Ensure that your tyres are properly balanced. If you feel vibration through the steering wheel or through the vehicle body, your tyres could be incorrectly balanced.

A balanced wheel sees the even weight around the entire axle of the tyre. As little as a quarter of an ounce difference in weight at one point is enough to cause serious vibration. Unbalanced tyres can lead to uneven and premature wear or excessive stress on the suspension components.
Balancing the tyres should be done by a reputable dealer.

#4 Check the tyre alignment –when your vehicle tends to drift

Ensure that your wheels are properly aligned. As part of normal driving, parts of your car’s suspension may become worn, and springs can be stretched out. When you have driven over a large object in the road or hit a pothole or pavement, your suspension can be disrupted making your wheels sit at improper angles.

During summer, tyre discrepancies such as these must be monitored extra carefully. Uneven tyre alignment can affect the handling of the vehicle and will cause the tyres to wear unevenly and prematurely, which in turn may lead to a tyre burst.

There are several indicators of a misalignment; your car seems to be drifting to one side even when you think you’re driving straight; your steering wheel vibrates; or you are driving straight but your steering wheel is not centred.

Tyre alignment should be checked and corrected by a professional.

 #5 Other tips to avoid tyre wear

With the tyre being the only contact point between the vehicle and the road, one cannot do enough to ensure the best quality of a tyre. These maintenance procedures must be done all year round, but during summer people are recommended to be extra cautious.

Never overload your vehicle. Overloading increases tyre wear and fuel consumption, adversely affects vehicle handling and stability, and increases the braking distance. Keep an eye on the suspension. Old or worn shock absorbers can cause faster tyre wear and impact vehicle handling.

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