Tips for Checking Off-road Tires or OTR Tires

OTR tires, including spare tires, require regular monthly inspections. During this inspection, inspect the OTR tire surface for cracks or scratches. Wear gloves and reach inside the tire to check for any suspicious marks. If you notice even the slightest suspicious sign, immediately request a detailed inspection from the dealership. Don't be reluctant to discard defective tires. If you notice unusual wear on the tire surface, you may be concerned about the toe adjustment and need repair.

1. Does the OTR tire have convex and corrugated wear?

Cause: If you notice convex wear on both sides of the tire's landing zone and corrugated wear on the tire's outer periphery, this indicates severe wear on the vehicle's shock absorbers, bearings, and spherical couplings.

Solution: Because the cost of replacing new tires is relatively high, it's recommended to inspect the suspension system for wear and replace worn parts before replacing them. Otherwise, even replacing the tire will not help.

2. Does the OTR tire have outer edge wear?

Cause: If you notice significant wear on the outer edge of the tire when viewed in the direction of travel, this indicates the tire is frequently underinflated, meaning it's underpressured.

Solution: Check tire pressure frequently. If possible, inflate the tires to "highway" pressure, which is 30,000 Pa more than normal. Furthermore, it is commonly believed that because underinflated tires are suitable for driving on snow and sand, they are also suitable for driving on wet surfaces. But it should be noted that under-inflated tires are very unfavorable for driving in rainy days because the grip will be significantly reduced.

3. Does the OTR tire have any localized wear?

Cause: If only large areas of wear are present on the OTR tire, this indicates wheel contact during emergency braking. If the wear is even on the front and rear wheels, this indicates a problem with the drum brakes.

Solution: In this case, tire replacement is essential. In emergency situations, you can temporarily replace the old tire on the rear wheel for safety.

4. Does the OTR tire have even wear?

Cause: Even some wear is normal. Each part will show its own signs. If the tread is worn, the tire has reached the end of its life and must be replaced. The tread also drains away water that accumulates on the road, making it an essential component for maintaining a vehicle's grip.

Solution: Never tread your tires yourself. If the wear has reached the standard depth of the tyre tread (usually 1.6 mm, or 175 mm for tyres wider than 2 mm), the tyre must be replaced. Of course, the degree of wear will vary, but it should be noted that the wear difference between different tires on the same axle must not exceed 5 mm.

5. Do OTR tires have internal damage?

Cause: After an OTR tire collides with a hard object (such as a sidewalk edge) or is driven with a flat tire, the rubber layer can be severely scratched, affecting its seal.

Solution: In this case, the tire will leak or break. Minor scratches can be repaired as a precaution, but for long journeys, the tire must be replaced immediately.

6. Is the center section of the OTR tire worn?

Cause: If you find that the center area of the tire landing part is severely worn, it means that the tire is often over-inflated. It is not conducive to tire maintenance, but accelerates tire wear.

Solution: First, be sure to check whether the pressure gauge is accurate and adjust the pressure. It's important to note that overinflation is only necessary when driving at high speeds or with heavy loads; it's not necessary under normal circumstances.

7. Does the OTR tire have internal wear?

Cause: Wear on the inside of the tire, with burrs on the outer edge. A common occurrence is in older cars with poor suspension systems, which can cause the entire vehicle to sink. This indicates that the tires are deformed and the symmetry of the two tires is affected.

8.Do OTR tires have side cracks?

Cause: Mostly due to poor maintenance or driving on gravel roads and construction sites, causing hard objects to come into contact with the tires, causing damage to the inner layer of the tire under heavy pressure.

Solution: Immediate action is necessary. If the repair is affordable, repair it; otherwise, the tire must be replaced. Although modern tires incorporate new technology, they are more delicate and require proper care.