Car Tyres Cut to the Cord - how!?

In the UK, car tyres are receiving more cuts to the cord primarily due to the deteriorating condition of roads, particularly the increase in potholes.

Here's a breakdown of the key factors:

• Potholes and Poor Road Conditions: This is by far the most significant contributor. Research indicates that a substantial percentage of tyre replacements in the UK are directly caused by damage from potholes and other poor road conditions. When a tyre hits a pothole at speed, the sidewall can pinch, causing internal damage and breaking the cords within the tyre's structure. This can lead to visible cuts or bulges.

• Debris on Roads: Sharp objects like stones, glass, or other debris can cause cuts to the tyre tread and sidewall. While some cuts are superficial, others can be deep enough to expose or damage the internal cord layers.

• Kerbing and Impacts: Clipping kerbs or hitting other obstacles can also cause significant damage to the tyre's sidewall, leading to cuts and cord exposure.

• Insufficient Tyre Maintenance and Awareness:

  • Low Tyre Pressure: Driving on underinflated tyres makes them more susceptible to damage from impacts, as the sidewall is less rigid and more prone to pinching.

  • Lack of Regular Inspections: Many drivers don't regularly inspect their tyres for signs of damage or wear. Issues like minor cuts can go unnoticed until they worsen and expose the cords.

  • Driving on Worn Tyres: While not a direct cause of cuts to the cord, driving with insufficient tread depth means the tyre has less protective rubber over its structural components, making it more vulnerable to damage from road hazards.

• Uneven Wear: Misaligned wheels can cause uneven tyre wear, leading to certain sections of the tyre wearing down more quickly and potentially exposing the cords.

Why is this a problem?

Exposed tyre cords are a serious safety concern and can lead to:

• Structural Weakening: The cords are crucial for the tyre's structural integrity. When exposed, they can corrode and weaken, making the tyre susceptible to failure, including blowouts.

• Legal Implications: Driving with exposed cords is illegal in the UK and can result in significant fines and penalty points.

• MOT Failure: Tyres with exposed cords will fail an MOT test.

In essence, the combination of worsening road infrastructure and, to some extent, a lack of consistent tyre maintenance by drivers, is contributing to the observed increase in cord cuts on car tyres in the UK.