Why Does Tire Temperature Matter?
When problems arise due to tires, the main culprit is often tire pressure. One significant factor that is often overlooked is internal tire temperature, which has a nearly equal impact on the safety and performance of the vehicle. When looking at tire performance, grip and traction remain critical components of vehicle safety and control.
One aspect that affects both of these factors is internal tire temperature. As tires rotate, heat is generated in the tire due to the friction with the surface of the road. This causes the air inside the tire to heat up, which also increases the pressure of the tire. Some of the factors that can affect tire temperature are underinflation, driving behavior, ambient temperature, treadwear, road conditions, and more. Usually, tires in operation can operate up to 158 degrees Fahrenheit safely, with the lower threshold to affecting tire life being 195F. This temperature threshold can vary due to many different factors such as load, vehicle type, and more. The further the temperature increases past its optimum temperature range, the more likely problems will arise. Let's take a look at the consequences of neglecting tire temperature.
Figure 1 https://www.google.com/url?sa=i&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.alpha-technologies.com%2Fblog%2Fcollaborative-study-to-reduce-heat-build-up-testing%2F&psig=AOvVaw3cozLge6l4_uKichvaYRYC&ust=1716407781696000&source=images&cd=vfe&opi=89978449&ved=0CBQQjhxqFwoTCIjJ_7
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Optimal Grip and Traction Dynamics: When tires are cold, the material is relatively stiff, resulting in reduced flexibility and decreased grip. In colder climates, this can lead to compromised traction, especially in scenarios requiring sudden maneuvers or when driving on wet surfaces. Conversely, as tires warm up during operation their compound becomes more pliable, enhancing grip and traction. This allows the tire to conform to the road more effectively, which provides better contact for cornering, accelerating, and braking maneuvers. When tires become overheated, their grip characteristics can deteriorate and the tire will wear faster. This can happen as a result of prolonged driving, aggressive driving behavior, or underinflation. By ensuring that tires operate within the recommended temperature range, drivers can maximize their vehicle's performance and safety, particularly in adverse driving conditions such as rain, snow, or high-speed driving.
Figure 2 https://www.google.com/url?sa=i&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.smart-trucking.com%2Fcornering-a-big-rig%2F&psig=AOvVaw3T8soB-8-dJoIWMIMN-JRf&ust=1716407983836000&source=images&cd=vfe&opi=89978449&ved=0CBQQjhxqFwoTCLDR0JPEn4YDFQAAAAAdAAAAABAE
- Tire Wear and Longevity: Heat buildup can accelerate tire wear and degradation. This is especially common in commercial vehicles that frequently stop and go, such as garbage trucks, buses, and shuttles. The likelihood of heat buildup and tire failure is particularly high in these commercial vehicles. When tires operate above their recommended temperature range, they become more susceptible to premature wear and reduced lifespan. In addition, excessive heat can also deteriorate the bead which prevents recapping the tire. This highlights the need for an all-encompassing tire sensor such as Cerebrum Sensor, due to its ability to accurately measure pressure, temperature, tread, and more in real-time. Another key difference between a standard TPMS sensor and a Cerebrum sensor is the location where temperature is measured from. The few TPMS sensors that do measure temperature measure the surrounding air in the tire, which includes a delay because the air in the tire acts as an This is why the inner liner feels a different temperature than the air in the tire. Cerebrum sensors receive a more accurate temperature reading because they measure the direct temperature at the tire location, and not the surrounding air in the tire. By tracking internal temperature, drivers can adjust their driving behavior to prolong tire longevity and maximize performance and safety.
Figure 3 damaged bead: https://www.google.com/url?sa=i&url=https%3A%2F%2Fforum.ih8mud.com%2Fthreads%2Fdamaged-tire-bead.383547%2F&psig=AOvVaw08fqwGLO3pI5-z1wUpxS9N&ust=1716409639835000&source=images&cd=vfe&opi=89978449&ved=0CBQQjhxqFwoTCLCw46jKn4YDFQAAAAAdAAAAAB
- Preventing Blowouts: Excessive heat buildup in tires can also lead to an event that nobody wants: a tire blowout. The elevated temperatures weaken the compound of the tire, which eventually causes it to burst. This can be catastrophic, depending on the speed of the vehicle and the size of the vehicle. At low speeds, a tire blowout for a passenger car can be inconvenient and frustrating. However, a tire blowout in a semi-truck at highway speeds can potentially be catastrophic, causing damage to the vehicle and others around it. In addition, delamination can be a result of tires that get too hot, both for standard tires and retreaded tires. Delamination is the separation of the tread from the casing, which can be very dangerous to both the driver and others around the vehicle. Monitoring tire temperature can be a tremendous help in preventing tire blowouts and accidents for all vehicles. Allowing drivers to detect potential overheating issues early on and take preventive measures, such as adjusting tire pressure or reducing speed, mitigates the risk of blowouts and ensures a safer driving experience.
Figure 5 https://www.google.com/url?sa=i&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.kfyrtv.com%2F2024%2F05%2F21%2Ftire-blowout-leads-dump-truck-rollover-driver-seriously-hurt%2F&psig=AOvVaw16lJkcT8UINvQ2pxIZ4Kay&ust=1716409954421000&source=images&cd=vfe&opi=89978449&ved=0CBUQjhxqFwo
Figure 6
- Fuel Efficiency: Tire temperature also impacts fuel efficiency. Overheated tires can increase rolling resistance, requiring more energy to propel the vehicle forward. This is because of the increased “stickiness”, or grip of the tire. By maintaining optimal tire temperature, drivers can help minimize rolling resistance and improve fuel efficiency, reducing fuel consumption and emissions.
Many of these situations can be headaches for everyone, particularly fleet managers with commercial vehicles. Investing in Cerebrum for commercial fleets can prevent these from happening, with real-time temperature readings and customizable alerts that notify drivers when tires get too hot. This could not only save the fleet managers significant amounts of money and time but may also prevent a dangerous blowout and accident.
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