Every driver must ensure the tires are in great condition before hitting the road. So, you must look out for common problems like peeling. Perhaps you’re now wondering what causes a tire to peel and whether you can drive on a peeled tire.
Manufacturing defects, poor quality, and inappropriate tires are some of the reasons that may cause a tire to peel. You may drive a peeling tire at no more than 50 miles per hour. However, it’s not worth the risk. Replacing a peeled tire is strongly recommended for a quality and safe ride.
Tire peeling is when the outer part of the tire, known as the tread, comes off the body or casing. A strong bonding process joins the thread and casing. However, various problems may cause these to separate.
What Are The Causes Of Tire Peeling?
Before understanding whether you can drive with a peeled tire, you must first know the possible causes of this problem. Peeling is more common in radial tires and is brought about by the following.
Manufacturing Defects
Sometimes, manufacturers may make mistakes in the tire production process. So, there’s a possibility of defective tires ending up on the market. The tires may not have been appropriately vulcanized, making the tread come off the casing.
Although manufacturers must have stringent quality control checks, it’s your responsibility to choose the best tires for your vehicle. However, you can go where you bought the tires from to check whether they have a warranty in case the tires have defects.
Poor Quality Tires
Apart from manufacturing defects, opting for the cheapest tires on the market may make you have peeling tires. Manufacturers of cheaper tires cut corners during production to remain with a profit despite the low prices.
Tread lifting off the casing indicates poor product quality. Good quality tires from leading brands cost a bit more but will give you more mileage before you replace them.
Using The Wrong Tire
When you purchase tires not meant for your car, you’re likely to experience peeling. Tires may not be meant for your vehicle’s weight or speed. This will likely cause the tread to come off the tire’s casing. You will find yourself buying a replacement earlier than you anticipated.
Underinflation
Underinflation is when pressure is too low, making much of the tire surface touch the road. This increases friction, causing overheating and eventual peeling, premature wear, or blowout. Here are things you can do to avoid underinflation:
- Understand that the pressure listed on the tire is the maximum allowable, not the recommended.
- Find the recommended tire pressure in the owner’s manual.
- Use an accurate pressure gauge to ensure you put the recommended pressure.
- Check tire pressure monthly or before a long trip.
Dishonest Dealer
There’s also a chance that the dealer sold you recap tires instead of new ones. Retreaded tires are more likely to peel than new ones. If you bought recaps without the dealer telling you, you must call them and ask for compensation. Or you can just return them and request replacements.
Expired Tires
If you bought tires that peel after a short while, there’s a chance that you bought them when they expired. Products can stay long at the dealership before anyone purchases them. Tires usually have an expiry date of six years from the date of manufacture.
You can check this on the side indicated as WWYY to mean the Week of the Year, Year of manufacture. Look for four digits, with the first two indicating the Week of the Year and the last two indicating the Year.
Expired tires have aged rubber because of exposure to oxygen, making the particles harden and less flexible. Using expired tires may cause the rubber to begin cracking inside and outside, causing tread separation and complete failure.
Can You Drive On A Peeled Tire?
There’s a chance of driving with a peeled tire if you don’t exceed 50 mph. But it’s not worth risking. You may never know when you decide to go faster. When driving at 100 kilometers per hour, you may lose control of the vehicle and cause a fatal accident.
Driving with a peeled tire is playing with your life. Always replace the tire immediately to avoid risking your life or another person. A peeled tire is likely to develop bulges, cracks, and punctures.
The tread is the part of the tire touching the road, so you must ensure it’s in great shape. Replacing the tire as soon as you notice peeling is strongly recommended to roll on for thousands of miles worry-free.
How Can I Protect My Tires From Peeling?
Experts and tire manufacturers recommend the following to protect your tires from peeling.
Mind Your Driving
Safe driving is essential, and don’t go into places with sharp rocks. Your tires may get scratched, leading to tears. When parking on the sidewalk, be careful, so you don’t hit it to damage your tires.
Use The Right Tires
When purchasing tires, choose those suitable for your vehicle. The right tires should appropriately support the load and speed of your vehicle. Besides, don’t go for cheaper options or retreads, trying to save a few bucks.
Wrong tires are likely to peel much faster, and you’ll soon be in the market for replacements. The extra money you put in to buy quality tires will save you a lot in the long run. Ultimately it will give you peace of mind wherever you are on the road.
Regular Tire Checks
Ensure to check your tires regularly for damages. If you find signs of peeling, replace the tire immediately. Alternatively, you can go to your trusted mechanic to check and maintain your tires. For maximum safety, experts recommend replacing the tires after 60,000 to 100,000km.
However, how long you can use the tire depends on the tire manufacturer, car brand, and road condition. Regular checks will give you the current state of your tires. You will be able to know whether to replace them or not.
Correct tire pressure
Underinflation is a major cause of tire peeling. Low pressure encourages the tire to fail faster and to use more fuel. The tire area touching the road surface is likely to overheat, causing problems like peeling, premature wear, and blowouts.
Car tires are prone to various problems, including peeling. This results from manufacturer defects, underinflation, expired tires, dishonest dealers, or poor quality tires. You must replace a peeled tire immediately for a safe driving experience.
