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July 17
In the UAE, which has large changes between daytime and nighttime temperatures as a norm and very large seasonal changes, we see that car tyres are a part of a very dynamic environment. While most drivers pay attention to their engine maintenance and fuel quality, it is also true that they ignore the fact, the health of the tyres is a very important issue. Extreme temperature fluctuations, which we see in particular in the summer, which is so hot here in the Gulf, do play a large role in how well or not your tyres perform. Also, these out-of-season extreme temperatures may affect the safety and wear-out process of the tyre much faster. At Etarat Online, we are in the business of putting this information out there for car owners and setting forth what action can be taken proactively in order to have the best results from your tyres year-round.
Tyres are designed to do their best within a certain band of temperatures. Out of that range, their material properties begin to change, which in turn will affect handling, grip, and braking performance. In countries like the UAE, we see road surface temperatures go over 70°C in the heat, which in turn heats the rubber and air inside your tyres past what is safe. As the temperature goes up, so does the air pressure inside the tyre, which in turn increases the internal pressure. But when the temperature drops suddenly at the end of a summer day in winter or with the changing of the seasons, that pressure drops again, which leads to a loss of pressure. These constant changes put stress on the tyres’ structure and also play a role in how they perform on the road.
In the UAE, one of the great issues for tyre performance is heat. We see that when tyres are put in high temperatures for long periods, the rubber begins to break down at an accelerated rate. This, in turn, causes wear to go up, and the elasticity of the tyre goes down, which in turn affects grip and flexibility. Also, heat increases rolling resistance, which means the car uses more energy (and fuel) to move. Heat expansion, which causes overinflation, also distorts the tyre’s shape, which in turn causes unequal contact with the road and increases the chance of blowouts. At Etarat Online, we put forward that regular pressure checks and the use of tyres, which are rated for high-temperature environments, are key for safe summer driving.
While heat is a cause of overinflation, what we see is that in the early mornings or during the winter months, which are cooler, tyre pressure goes down. As a matter of fact, we see that for every 5 degrees Celsius drop in temperature, our tyre pressure drops by 1 PSI. Also, what we put into practice is that underinflated tyres will reduce your car’s fuel efficiency, increase tyre wearout, and also do away with braking distance and cornering stability. In the UAE, we see many drivers ignore tyre care in the cold months; they think that only in summer does damage to tyres happen. But in reality, seasonal performance is very different, and also, short-term cold spells can play out very badly on tyres that are not looked after properly. It is also a good idea to check your tyre pressure at each oil change or fuel up to avoid long-term issues.
Temperature changes also play into tyre wear in ways beyond inflation. In hot weather, tyres can soften and wear out faster, which is an issue if you are using tyres not meant for summer. Also, in cold weather, tyres become hard, which in turn may reduce traction on wet or sandy roads. Also, this seasonal performance change brings about uneven wear patterns, which in turn reduce traction and balance. At Etarat Online, we suggest rotating your tyres every 10,000 km and using season or region-specific tyres for best results all year round.
Another issue that comes up with extreme temperature changes is tyre cracking. We see that rubber, which is put through cycles of heat and cold, begins to dry out and crack. Mostly ,we see this along the side walls. This damage may not present itself at a brief glance, but over time, what we have is a weakened tyre structure and an increased chance of the tyre failing suddenly. Also at play is the role of the sun’s UV rays, which in large part cause this issue, in particular for cars left out in the sun with no shade. Cracked tyres do not repair; they have to be replaced. At Etarat Online, we recommend the use of tyre protectants and parking in the shade when you can in order to minimize long-term UV and thermal damage.
Maintaining good tyre performance throughout the year is achieved with regular checks, proper inflation, and timely replacements. A very effective practice is to check tyre pressure at least twice a month, which is very important during season changes. Also, we see that the use of digital tyre pressure gauges gives more accurate results than the older methods. Also of equal importance is that you do not run old tyres. Most tyres lose their structural integrity after 5 to 6 years, which is independent of the tread depth. Also, by rotating your tyres, aligning your wheels, and getting them balanced, you see even wear out. At Etarat Online, we offer professional tyre services across the UAE to help customers keep their cars in the best of health all year round.
In the face of extreme weather conditions, it is important to put on tyres that are a product of Middle Eastern design. These tires feature heat-resistant compounds, which in turn cause better tread life and performance at high temperatures. Tyres that do well in the Temperature Resistance category of the UTQG do better in the UAE climate. At Etarat Online, we present a large selection of premium tyres that we have tailored to the local environment, which in turn gives you the best value and safety from what you buy. Investing in the right tyres not only improves tyre performance but also protects your vehicle and its passengers from unnecessary accidents.
Proper tyre care is not just for the prevention of punctures or blowouts. It is for better vehicle control, extended tyre life, and improved fuel efficiency. Well-maintained tyres may improve fuel economy by up to 3%; they also reduce the risk of hydroplaning and make each trip safer. Also, by watching for heat build-up and pressure loss, you are reducing your environmental impact by conserving resources and producing less waste. At Etarat Online, we provide vehicle owners with education, diagnosis, and the best products to keep their tyres in top shape throughout the seasons.
High temperatures see tyre pressure go up, which in turn causes overinflation, increased wear, and a higher risk of blowouts. Also, heat causes the rubber to break down faster.
Air also compresses at lower temperatures, causing a pressure drop, which in turn results in underinflation of tyres, which in turn reduces fuel economy and causes more wear and tear.
Check the pressure of your tyres often, do a rotation at the 10,000 km mark, and make sure they are appropriate for the season. Also, try to avoid parking in spots that get direct sun, which may cause cracking.
Yes, in the Middle East, we see that tyres which are designed for this region use heat-resistant rubber compounds and are a better choice for very hot weather and high UV exposure.
Check for fine lines or cracks at the sidewall and tread surface. Tyres that are cracked should be replaced right away to avoid structural failure.
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