Did you know that your car tyres are made from many parts that are joined together during construction? And did you know that these parts can sometimes separate in unusual circumstances, leading to a certain amount of danger? When you drive on a motorway, you may sometimes see evidence of this separation and may certainly worry if it could happen to you. So, what do you need to know about this, and how can you best avoid such drama?

Tyre Construction

Tyres are made from individual belts of rubber that are glued together during the manufacturing process. On the tyre's outer circumference is the tread belt, which contains the grooves, sipes and other design elements to help get rid of standing water.

Separation Risks

If operating conditions are not properly maintained, the bond between the casing and the tread can fail, leading to separation. When this happens, the entire outer layer of the tyre will fall away to be left on the carriageway or at the side of the road. You may sometimes see a large truck tyre "carcass" on the motorway, as this event seems to afflict heavy vehicles frequently.

Causes of Failure

It is possible the tread could separate due to manufacturing defects, but this is extremely rare. However, there is an increasing chance if you have not looked after the tyre correctly, it is excessively worn or, crucially, underinflated.

Increased Risk

Many people take a cursory look at their car tyres before they set off on a journey but without checking to see if they are properly inflated. And if you drive at a prolonged, high speed on underinflated tyres, this can significantly increase temperature. In the worst-case scenario, this will lead to separation and a possible loss of control.

Check and Test

Get into the habit of checking your vehicle's tyres on a regular basis to ensure that they are properly inflated. Also, look at each tyre's condition so you can identify any cuts, cracks or uneven tread wear. If you see any blisters or bulges on the sidewall, these will require closer inspection.

Get Further Advice

When you find any anomalies, it's always best to ask a tyre fitter for their advice. You may not need to worry about some smaller issues, but they may advise you to change the tyre in some circumstances. Remember, it's always best to avoid the risk of separation, which could result in a sizeable accident.