Driving a vehicle is a fun activity. But maintaining it is difficult as there are so many technical elements involved. The most difficult task of all is to reduce the risk of tire explosions. If you are someone who loves to drive but is afraid of tire explosions, then read this guide, as it contains all the information that can help you reduce the risk of tire explosions.
What Causes Tire Explosions?
Two cases have come to light that is responsible for tire explosions. One is caused due to diffusion, while the other is caused due to heat. The heat-initiated explosion is quite common as it happens due to high temperatures. Let’s know about both these cases in detail:
Extremely Rare Cases- Diffusion Initiated Explosion
When a wood shard gets trapped inside the tire line, the methanol present in the wood diffuses at 65 degrees. Also, the friction of the wood causes the dust particles to combust. All these situations can cause explosive conditions. Although it is highly unlikely to happen, it happens.
Most Common Cases- Heat Initiated Explosion
When excessive heat is generated in the inner tire liner, the temperature can reach 250 degrees. At 250 degrees, the rubber starts to decompose. This process is known as pyrolysis. After the temperature climbs 400 degrees, the products that break down during pyrolysis can ignite and cause an explosion. Since this is caused purely because of temperature, this case is quite common.
Tips To Reduce The Risk Of Tire Explosions
- To control tire chamber temperatures, make sure you have selected the correct tire.
- Drive in low ambient and operating temperatures as it will reduce the chances of ignition and combustion in the tires, which is usually caused by high temperatures.
- To reduce vulnerability to the explosion, restrict the operational tonner kilometers per hour below the design value.
- Avoid driving in places where wood shards can pierce the tire. Make sure to stay on the road.
- Do regular preventive maintenance to minimize the risks of explosion due to external elements.
- Tire explosion due to high electrical voltage is common. Removal or guarding of these sources can significantly decrease the chances.
- You can add liquid tire additives to prevent internal tire fires.
- Nitrogen inflation is effective in reducing pyrolysis. However, you should not entirely rely on it as a foolproof method.
Additional Precautions
- Avoid heating or welding rims on mounted tires.
- Use non-flammable additives.
- Regularly inspect the tires to remove external objects like wood shards.
- Never work anywhere near power lines.
- Contact tire replacement services in case of a tire explosion.
- To monitor the temperature or pressure, use a tire pressure monitoring system.
Final Thoughts
Tie combustion is quite common in trucks because of their rigorous use in high temperatures and pressures. If you drive a truck, make sure to get the tires regularly checked by professionals. Also, by following the tips given above, you can reduce the chances of tire explosions to a greater degree.
