Effect of Ambient Temperature and Inflation Pressure on Tire Temperature

Tire failure is identified as a major cause of accidents on highways around the world in the recent past. A tire burst leads to loss of control of the vehicle which ends up in a catastrophe. There are various factors which are accounted for a tire burst. Heat buildup, aging of tire and cracks on tires are the major ones which are identified. A superior ability of the tire to dissipate the heat generated during operation is a major factor which prevents a tire failure. Other factors such as ambient temperature, inflation pressure etc. contributes to heat buildup which may ultimately result in tire failure. A combination of these factors might manifest as a tire failure at high speeds, the latter being an immediate cause of heat buildup. A dormant crack in the tire might develop if the temperature and pressure conditions are favorable, thus giving away at the weakest point. With regard to the temperature conditions, road conditions, inflation pressure checks etc. India is vulnerable to tire failures. It may be noted that present regulations in India does not mandate testing of aged tyres and Tire Pressure Monitoring System. The paper tries to examine the effect of high ambient temperature and low inflation pressure on aged tires. The paper tries to examine tires with high speed capability at underinflated condition. The importance of Tire Pressure Monitoring System in India is analyzed on the current tire models tested as per Global Technical Regulation Standard for tires.