Tire Damage Due To 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.

Fig 1: Identifying Separation Of Tire Carcass And Rubber

Courtesy of VOLKSWAGEN GROUP OF AMERICA, INC.

Strong heating due to driving with substantially insufficient pressure led to overheating and subsequent separation of carcass from rubber material -arrows-. Refer to INCREASING TIRE TEMPERATURE DUE TO LOW TIRE PRESSURE .

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.

Fig 2: Identifying Wide Furrows Along Circumference Of Tire Bead

Courtesy of VOLKSWAGEN GROUP OF AMERICA, INC.

Wide furrows 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.

Fig 3: Identifying Tire With Torn-Out Tread

Courtesy of VOLKSWAGEN GROUP OF AMERICA, INC.

Such damage usually develops over a longer period of time. If an already damaged tire is exposed to high stress, the centrifugal force at higher speeds can tear components off the tire.

Illustration shows a tire with torn-out tread due to driving with insufficient tire pressure.