We all know that worn tyre tread is a safety hazard, whether you are using your bike for daily commute or long bike tours. Inadequate or frayed treads are even more hazardous during monsoons. Regularly checking your tyres for wear and tear is a must, and most of us are familiar with the tread depth indicators that tell us when it's time for a change. But what about tyres that look fine? What about tyres with plenty of tread left? Believe it or not, age can be just as critical a factor as tread depth when it comes to tyre safety. This post will delve into the impact of tyre age and explain why you might need to replace your bike tyres even if the tread seems perfectly acceptable or are the best bike tyres available in India.
Before we move on, here’s how to see the tread depth of the bike tyre. There are three simple ways to check this:
1. The Two Rupee Coin Test: This is the most common test in India on how bikers check the tread depth of their motorcycle tyres. The only thing that you need is a two rupee coin.
- Find a groove: Locate a groove in your tyre tread where you want to measure.
- Insert the coin: Insert the two-rupee coin into the groove.
- Assess the depth: See how deep the coin goes into the tread. If you can see the entire coin, your tread depth is likely below the legal limit (1.6mm) and it's time for new tyres. If the tread covers a significant portion of the coin, you may have some tread left, but it's crucial to monitor closely.
2. Tyre Tread Depth Gauge: This is a more reliable way of gauging tread depth.
- Get a gauge: You can find tyre tread depth gauges at auto parts stores or online in India. They provide more precise measurements.
- Extend and measure: Extend the probe of the gauge fully, insert it into a tread groove, and read the measurement.
- Multiple checks: Measure in several grooves across the tyre's width and circumference for a comprehensive assessment.
3. Tread Wear Indicators: Most tyres have an inbuilt gauge so the biker can see easily and decide if the tyre needs to be changed.
- Locate the indicators: Look for small raised bars within the tread grooves. These are the tread wear indicators.
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Check the level: If the tread is worn down to the level of these bars, your tread depth is at the legal limit (1.6mm), and you need new tyres.
The Silent Threat: Tyre Degradation Over Time
Bike Tyres aren't just chunks of rubber. They're complex pieces of engineering, composed of various rubber compounds, steel belts, and other reinforcing materials. Over time, these materials degrade, regardless of how much they're used. This degradation is primarily caused by:
- Oxidation: Exposure to oxygen causes the rubber to break down, leading to cracking and reduced flexibility.
- UV Exposure: Sunlight's ultraviolet rays accelerate the ageing process, drying out the rubber and making it brittle.
- Temperature Fluctuations: Extreme temperatures, both hot and cold, can cause the rubber to harden and crack.
- Oil and Chemical Exposure: Contact with oils, chemicals, and other road debris can also damage the rubber compounds.
Reise Moto tyres are made in a factory in Gujarat, with the know-how of European partner, Midas. Each tyre is made with a lot of research and precision to give you the most comfortable ride.
Why Age Matters More Than You Think
As tyres age, they lose their elasticity and become more prone to:
- Cracking: Small cracks can appear in the sidewalls and tread grooves, compromising the tyre's structural integrity.
- Reduced Grip: The rubber compounds harden, reducing the tyre's ability to grip the road, especially in wet or cold conditions. This can significantly increase braking distances and the risk of skidding.
- Increased Risk of Blowouts: Age-related degradation weakens the tyre, making it more susceptible to punctures and blowouts, even if the tread is good.
The Five-Year Rule (and Why It's Important) While some manufacturers offer varying recommendations, a widely accepted guideline is to replace tyres five years from their manufacturing date, regardless of tread depth. Even if your tyres look brand new, if they're older than five years, they should be replaced for safety reasons.
Beyond the Five-Year Mark: Other Factors to Consider
Even before the five-year mark, several factors can accelerate tyre ageing and necessitate earlier replacement:
- Climate: Hot climates accelerate tyre degradation.
- Storage Conditions: Tyres stored in direct sunlight or extreme temperatures deteriorate faster.
- Usage: While age is the primary factor, heavy usage can also contribute to wear and tear.
- Visible Signs of Damage: Any visible signs of cracking, bulges, or cuts on the sidewall or tread are immediate red flags, regardless of the tyre's age.
Don't Gamble with Your Safety
Tyres are a critical safety component of your vehicle. Don't wait for a blowout or a near-miss to realize the importance of tyre age. Regularly inspect your tyres for wear and tear, and adhere to the five-year rule. When in doubt, consult a qualified tyre professional for an inspection and recommendations. Investing in new tyres is an investment in your safety and the safety of others on the road.
- Team Reise Moto
