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Tires, Damage From Low Tire Pressure

The most common causes of failure are small external damage, a defective valve or a leaky rim due to corrosion or damage.

Separation of shell and rubber

Fig 1: Identifying Separation Of Tire Carcass And Rubber
GWWA44-10011Courtesy of AUDI OF AMERICA, LLC

Strong heating due to driving with substantially insufficient pressure led to overheating and subsequent separation of shell from rubber material -arrows-.

The tire shown here was sporadically driven with tire pressure insufficient for the load. Typical indications for this are the circumferential abrasions in the area of the bead caused by the rim flange and the discoloration. Small, furrowed folds are visible along the inner sidewall.

When the tire rolls, strong shear forces develop between the steel belt layers, especially at the ends of the belts.

Tires with wide grooves along the circumference in the area of the bead

Fig 2: Identifying Wide Furrows Along Circumference Of Tire Bead
GWWA44-10010Courtesy of AUDI OF AMERICA, LLC

Wide grooves along the circumference in the area of the bead -arrows- indicate that the tire was driven with insufficient air pressure.

Driving a vehicle with insufficient tire pressure or ignoring or not recognizing tire damage can have serious consequences.

The tire can no longer withstand the forces developing during travel.

The function of the tire is limited by the defects mentioned above. The rubber compounds separate from one another, resulting in partial separation of tire components up to complete destruction.