If you have ever been driving down the road and seen a tire blow out, someone has experienced a tire delamination. This can be caused by a number of factors, including age, wear and tear, improper inflation, or impact damage.
In this blog post, we will discuss what causes tire delamination and how to prevent it from happening!
What is Tire Delamination?
Tire delamination is a separation of the tread from the body of the tire.
This can happen gradually over time, or it can happen suddenly if the tire is subject to impact damage.
Tire delamination can happen gradually over time, as the tread wears down and the bond between the tread and tire body weakens. It can also happen suddenly if the tire is subject to unusually high amounts of stress or heat and the tire gives out.
Impact damage is the most common cause of sudden delamination or tread separation, as it can break the bond between the tread and tire body.
What causes Tire Delamination?
There are several factors that can contribute to tire delamination. Age as well as wear and tear are the most common, but improper inflation and impact damage can also play a role.
Tire delamination can also be caused by a serious defect in the tire. An example of this is if a retread tire is improperly bonded, which can under pressure or at high speeds can cause the tread to come loose and separate during use.
Properly maintaining and inspecting your tires regularly is the easiest way to make sure that your tires don’t delaminate and fail. This will allow you to catch any potential issues before they become serious and lead to tire delamination.
Tire delamination is also a common sight amongst drift cars as drifting and the prolonged amount of drifting and extreme forces on the tires eventually results in either the tire wearing down to the cords or severe tire delamination, whichever happens first.
Signs of Tire Delamination
However sometimes a tire can begin to delaminate even with proper care. There are a few signs to look out for that may indicate your tire is delaminating:
Vibrations
The first signs of tire delamination will be a vibration developing through the vehicle and the steering wheel. This vibration will be more obvious at higher speeds due to the increased centrifugal force.
The vibration will also be more pronounced through the steering wheel if the affected tire is one of the front tires. This is because the front wheels are connected to the steering wheel.
Any new or unusual vibration should be investigated as a matter of urgency. It could be a simple wheel weight which has come loose causing unbalanced tires, or it could be the early stages of tire delamination.
If the vibration is coming from a rear tire, it is less likely to be noticed as quickly. This is because the rear wheels are not connected to the steering wheel and so any vibration will not be transmitted through to the driver in the same way.
Uneven Tread wear
As you drive on your tires, the tread will begin to wear down. This is a normal process and is to be expected. However, if you notice that the tread on one tire is wearing down much faster than the other tires, this could be a potential sign of tire delamination.
If the tread on one tire is wearing down unevenly, it means that that tire is making improper contact with the road. This could mean that the wheel needs to be aligned or that there is another mechanical issue with the car.
Continued driving with uneven tread wear can mean that the tire will before long become bald in patches and potentially lead to tire delamination.
Excessive Tread wear
If you come to check your tires and find that they are excessively worn, this is a sign to change your tires. Driving on excessively worn tires will cause the tires to wear out even further beyond their design until eventually the tire will fail.
If you find that your tires are excessively worn, it is best to replace them as soon as possible. This will help to prevent any further damage and will give you peace of mind when driving.
Cords showing on tires
The innermost layer of a tire is made up of steel cords or nylon cords. These cords are what give the tire its strength.
If you can see these cords showing through the tread, it is a sure sign that delamination has occurred and the tire is in danger of failure.
At this point, you should avoid driving on the tire and you should replace it as soon as possible.
Bulges or Tire Bubbles
If you notice any bulges or blisters on the sidewalls of your tires, this is a sure sign that tire delamination is happening.
The bulges are caused by the tire tread separating from the tire body. This allows air from inside of the tire to leak out into the outer layers of the tires body and creates a bubble. These bubbles are very dangerous if they burst as it will cause a tire blowout. This can lead to an accident with potentially serious consequences.
If the delamination is not caught early, it can lead to a blowout. When this happens, you will lose complete control of the vehicle and could be involved in a serious accident. If you notice this happening, it is important to have your tires inspected by a professional as soon as possible.
How can I prevent tire delamination?
The best way to prevent tire delamination is to regularly check your tires for signs of wear and tear, and to have them inspected by a professional if you suspect any issues.
You should also check your tire pressure regularly and keep your tires properly inflated. If you hit a pothole or other object in the road, be sure to have your tires inspected as soon as possible for any damage.
If you are experiencing tire delamination, or if you think your tires may be at risk, be sure to contact a professional for help.
To prevent tire delamination:
- Make sure your tires are properly inflated.
- Inspect your tires regularly for signs of wear and tear.
- Have your tires inspected by a professional if you suspect any issues.
- If you hit a pothole or other object in the road, be sure to pull over and inspected your tires as soon as possible for any visible damage.
By following these simple tips, you can help prevent tire delamination.
Conclusion
Tire delamination is a serious issue that can lead to a blowout and an accident. It is important to be aware of the signs of tire delamination so that you can catch it early and have your tires repaired or replaced.
With proper care and maintenance, you can help prevent this problem and keep your tires in good condition for many miles to come!
Which tires are more susceptible to delamination?
Most tires are prone to delamination, but some tire brands and types can be more susceptible than others. Generally, cheaper tires tend to have a higher risk of delamination due to the lower quality materials used in their manufacture.
High performance tires that are driven at high speeds for long periods of time can also be vulnerable to delamination.
Can you fix a delaminated or separated tire?
Unfortunately, once a tire has been delaminated or separated, it is not able to be repaired. Delamination is caused by an internal separation of the layers of the tire and cannot be fixed.
The only option for a delaminated or separated tire is to have it replaced with a new one.
How long can you drive on a separated tire?
You should never drive on a tire that has been separated or is experiencing delamination. Driving on a tire in this condition can be extremely dangerous and could potentially cause an accident. If you notice any signs of delamination, you should replace the tire as soon as possible.
