jamesp010@hotmail.com wrote:
> Hi,
>
> I need advice about assessing tire quality from the experts/ gurus in
> this forum.
>
> With regards to tire composition and characteristics, what are the
> important things I need to look out for when assessing quality of an
> unbranded tire. Assuming that the tires are used in the recommended way
> ( such as not over loading or over speeding), I have heard that there
> are several characteristics of tires which make them last longer, and I
> am hoping you can shed some light on the following:
>
> Thread depth - Does the tire last longer if it has a deeper thread?
Depends on the composition of the tire rubber, road conditions, the
tires "designed" use, and how it is actually being used... If you have a
soft rubber tire, and rough roads in your area, you have great traction,
but they will wear quickly. Having a harder rubber, but on smooth roads
will cause more slide, and the heat will build quickly and wear will
occur more rapidly. Misuse of the tire, or using the incorrect tire type
will tear up a tire regardless of tread depth. But get a good rubber
type for your general use and road conditions, and a deep tread will be
more life to your tire.
> Ply Rating - Is there any disadvantage to having a high ply rating,
> and is there any specific correlation between the number of plys and
> the weight. (for example each ply should add x kgs to the weight.)?
Ply is A layer of rubber-coated fabric or wire making up the tire
casing. The more layers the casing, then the more a tire will weigh if
the same amount of rubber is applied to the casing. If weight is your
concern, and tire replacement is NOT a concern, then use less plys, save
weight, spend money. If you are out on some back country tearing up the
country side, get something a little more bulletproof.
> Quality of rubber - Is there variation in quality of rubber that can
> make a tire last longer. Do they mix rubber with anything to increase
> durability?
Absolutely! on concrete/asphalt/main street:
Soft Rubber = Short life, Fast Warming, Better cornering.
Hard Rubber = Long Life, runs cooler, Loose cornering
> Tire patterns - what are the advantages and disadvantages of using a
> rib/lug/mix designs
This has to do with application of the tire. Street Tire, On/Off road,
and strictly off road.
> Weight of the tire - If it is a heavy tire would it last longer
> assuming that there is more rubber used.
Again, depends on the tires rubber, designed use, and abuse.
> Sidewall - is it better to have a
This was the entire quote... But going with what you wrote, yes it is
better to have a sidewall, helps maintain air pressure.
> The weather condition here is very hot, dry and sandy most of the year
> with 4 months of moderate rain. So even the well built roads tend to be
> very sandy which I assume increases tire friction. Some of the areas I
> travel through are very underdeveloped with a lot of pot holes on the
> roads. I have heard that nylon/x-ply/bias tires are better then radials
> for uneven road surfaces and radials are better for good road
> conditions, is this true?
Okay, so .... HOW do you drive through this. If it is just to work and
back, spending an hour or so stuck in traffic, then the demands
(wear/tear) you put on your tire will be considerably less than if your
out on open country having a blast plowing through mud puddles. Google
around Car & Driver, Consumer Reports, Off Road, anywhere but from the
sites of tire manufacturers, and you should find more in depth, and
concise answers.
-=>Topper<=-
--
In 1896 50% of ALL registered cars in the U.S. were wrecked in ONE DAY!
In that same day... there were NO reported Truck Accidents anywhere.
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