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techtalk:ref:wheels04 [2017/12/04 10:14]
ixl2relax ↷ Page moved from techtalk:ref:body01a:wheels04 to techtalk:ref:wheels04
techtalk:ref:wheels04 [2018/04/29 23:11]
hippysmack [Tire Inspection]
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 ===== National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (UTQG) Grading System ===== ===== National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (UTQG) Grading System =====
  
-|The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has established the UTQG grading system, the Uniform Tire Quality Grading, to assist consumers in their purchase of tires. Basically it's another tool to be used besides the opinions you gather from trusted friends, mechanics and whatever other sources you may have at your disposal. The key to using this system is to understand that it is a relative comparison system. The UTQG is not a safety rating and not a guarantee that a tire will last for a prescribed number of miles. Under UTQG, manufacturers use three criteria to grade tires: Traction,​Temperature and Treadwear. The information is right where you need it when buying the tire: 1, On the paper label affixed to the tread and 2, On the tire molded into the sidewall. ((slcharger of the XLFORUM http://​xlforum.net/vbportal/​forums/​showthread.php?​t=1984086&​highlight=tire+compound))The tests are also done in a lab, making it possible to gather much more empirical data, but also calling into question the exact application of that data to real-world conditions.((http://​tires.about.com/​od/​understanding_tires/​a/​Uniform-Tire-Quality-Grading-Explained.htm))||| ​+|The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has established the UTQG grading system, the Uniform Tire Quality Grading, to assist consumers in their purchase of tires. Basically it's another tool to be used besides the opinions you gather from trusted friends, mechanics and whatever other sources you may have at your disposal. The key to using this system is to understand that it is a relative comparison system. The UTQG is not a safety rating and not a guarantee that a tire will last for a prescribed number of miles. Under UTQG, manufacturers use three criteria to grade tires: Traction,​Temperature and Treadwear. The information is right where you need it when buying the tire: 1, On the paper label affixed to the tread and 2, On the tire molded into the sidewall. ((slcharger of the XLFORUM http://​xlforum.net/​forums/​showthread.php?​t=1984086&​highlight=tire+compound))The tests are also done in a lab, making it possible to gather much more empirical data, but also calling into question the exact application of that data to real-world conditions.((http://​tires.about.com/​od/​understanding_tires/​a/​Uniform-Tire-Quality-Grading-Explained.htm))||| ​
 ^UTQG Traction Grades^^^ ^UTQG Traction Grades^^^
 |Specifications are based on tests to determine the tire's coefficient of friction on wet asphalt and wet concrete at 40 mph. The tire is given a letter grade depending on the amount of G's the tire can withstand on each surface. The grades are as follows:​((http://​tires.about.com/​od/​understanding_tires/​a/​Uniform-Tire-Quality-Grading-Explained.htm))||| |Specifications are based on tests to determine the tire's coefficient of friction on wet asphalt and wet concrete at 40 mph. The tire is given a letter grade depending on the amount of G's the tire can withstand on each surface. The grades are as follows:​((http://​tires.about.com/​od/​understanding_tires/​a/​Uniform-Tire-Quality-Grading-Explained.htm))|||
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 |The traction test does not evaluate the tire's ability to perform dry braking, dry or wet cornering or hydroplaning resistance. These are rather important qualities as well. To evaluate a tire's traction based solely on wet braking is somewhat oversimplifying actual tire performance. A tire that is graded as A for wet braking might well have better lateral grip than another tire graded AA.((http://​tires.about.com/​od/​understanding_tires/​a/​Uniform-Tire-Quality-Grading-Explained.htm))||| ​ |The traction test does not evaluate the tire's ability to perform dry braking, dry or wet cornering or hydroplaning resistance. These are rather important qualities as well. To evaluate a tire's traction based solely on wet braking is somewhat oversimplifying actual tire performance. A tire that is graded as A for wet braking might well have better lateral grip than another tire graded AA.((http://​tires.about.com/​od/​understanding_tires/​a/​Uniform-Tire-Quality-Grading-Explained.htm))||| ​
 ^UTQG Temperature Grades^^^ ^UTQG Temperature Grades^^^
-|Temperature grading is based on the tire's ability to dissipate heat while running at high speed against a rotating cylinder. A tire that cannot dissipate heat effectively will break down faster at higher speeds. ((http://​tires.about.com/​od/​understanding_tires/​a/​Uniform-Tire-Quality-Grading-Explained.htm))The "​A"​ rated tire is the coolest running, and even though the "​C"​ tire runs hotter it does not mean it is unsafe. The temperature grade is established for a tire that is properly inflated and not overloaded.((slcharger of the XLFORUM http://​xlforum.net/vbportal/​forums/​showthread.php?​t=1984086&​highlight=tire+compound))|||+|Temperature grading is based on the tire's ability to dissipate heat while running at high speed against a rotating cylinder. A tire that cannot dissipate heat effectively will break down faster at higher speeds. ((http://​tires.about.com/​od/​understanding_tires/​a/​Uniform-Tire-Quality-Grading-Explained.htm))The "​A"​ rated tire is the coolest running, and even though the "​C"​ tire runs hotter it does not mean it is unsafe. The temperature grade is established for a tire that is properly inflated and not overloaded.((slcharger of the XLFORUM http://​xlforum.net/​forums/​showthread.php?​t=1984086&​highlight=tire+compound))|||
 ^Temperatue Grade^Speed (mph)^^ ^Temperatue Grade^Speed (mph)^^
 |A|Means that the tire is able to run for long periods of time at speeds over 155 miles per hour|| |A|Means that the tire is able to run for long periods of time at speeds over 155 miles per hour||
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 |200| Tread life is twice the treadwear of the control tire|| |200| Tread life is twice the treadwear of the control tire||
 |400| Treadlife is four times the treadwear of the control tire|| |400| Treadlife is four times the treadwear of the control tire||
-| However, another tire manufacturer may grade a comparable design 300, so a grade of 150 would last just half as long under their grading scheme. The lesson learned is to not to use one manufacturer'​s grade versus the other, but instead to compare tire grades within a given brand. Actual treadwear performance can vary tremendously according to the tire's real-world use. Variations in driving habits, service practices (most importantly air pressure maintenance),​ road conditions and climate affect tire life((slcharger of the XLFORUM http://​xlforum.net/vbportal/​forums/​showthread.php?​t=1984086&​highlight=tire+compound))||| ​+| However, another tire manufacturer may grade a comparable design 300, so a grade of 150 would last just half as long under their grading scheme. The lesson learned is to not to use one manufacturer'​s grade versus the other, but instead to compare tire grades within a given brand. Actual treadwear performance can vary tremendously according to the tire's real-world use. Variations in driving habits, service practices (most importantly air pressure maintenance),​ road conditions and climate affect tire life((slcharger of the XLFORUM http://​xlforum.net/​forums/​showthread.php?​t=1984086&​highlight=tire+compound))||| ​
  
  
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   * Inspect your rims also. If you have a bent or cracked rim, it must be replaced.   * Inspect your rims also. If you have a bent or cracked rim, it must be replaced.
   * Use valve caps to keep valve cores clean and clear of debris and to help guard against air leakage.   * Use valve caps to keep valve cores clean and clear of debris and to help guard against air leakage.
 +
 +==== Hardness of the Rubber ====
 +
 +  * A durometer can be a very effective tool for selecting the best tires from a new stack as well as helping to decide when your used set needs replacement. Durometers measure the relative hardness of the rubber on your tires. In order to get the most accurate results, always follow a standard routine applying equal pressure to the durometer each time you take a reading. If you press the durometer down very hard one time and then very soft the next your results will vary due to the uneven hand pressure. This can be accomplished more accurately with a durameter with a heavy duty base that applies a constant pressure to the rubber without the use or impedance of human hands. You must also take a measurement quickly and be consistent when taking readings. If you place the durometer on your tire and leave it in the same spot for several seconds, the rubber will deform giving you a false reading. The rubber conforming around the durometer-testing probe will create the false reading. Simply place the durometer on the tire surface with the footpad at a slight angle. Lightly roll the footpad until it is flat on the tire, take your reading and record the measurement. ((http://​www.longacreracing.com/​technical-articles.aspx?​item=8167&​article=Proper Durometer Use))
 +  * For accurate results you must also consider the temperature of the tire. Hot tires will be softer than cool tires. If you are looking for the softest tires in a stack then you need to take care that you take durometer readings in equal environmental conditions. For example, if you take a reading on a tire that is in the hot sun your durometer reading will be softer than an equal compound tire that is in the shade. The side of a tire facing direct sunlight will generally read softer than the side facing the shade. The temperature difference results in a durometer reading difference. Tires that have heat from a hot lap session will give you a softer durometer reading than tires that have not yet been run. If you check the tires with a pyrometer you can insure that the tires are the same temperatures to insure more accurate results. ((http://​www.longacreracing.com/​technical-articles.aspx?​item=8167&​article=Proper Durometer Use))
 +  * Be sure to prep the tire surface for a proper durometer reading. Take a small scraper and remove any debris from the tire surface. Removing debris requires little effort on hot tires. Cold tires require a little elbow grease to get down to the true tire surface. Any debris left on the tire surface will cause false readings. ​ If you are checking your tire wear with a tread depth gauge you need to remove all debris also. Durometer hardness is only part of the tire equation. Tire compound, chemical composition,​ tire tread, sidewall design, heat cycles and tire wear are all factors that affect the performance of your tires. Considering all the variables and using your durometer measurements will help you to select the right tire for the right conditions. Proper use of the durometer will allow you to track the condition of tires, giving you the chance to replace them before the tires get too hard for proper traction. ((http://​www.longacreracing.com/​technical-articles.aspx?​item=8167&​article=Proper Durometer Use))
 +
  
  
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 ==== How Long Will a Tire Last? ==== ==== How Long Will a Tire Last? ====
-  * Tires don't have any "​life",​ they are sacrificial by design. If a tire was made that lasted forever it would have no traction (even a brick won't last forever)(a tire will last longer)((ryder rick from the XLFORUM http://​xlforum.net/vbportal/​forums/​showthread.php?​t=1997899&​highlight=tire+compound&​page=2))+  * Tires don't have any "​life",​ they are sacrificial by design. If a tire was made that lasted forever it would have no traction (even a brick won't last forever)(a tire will last longer)((ryder rick from the XLFORUM http://​xlforum.net/​forums/​showthread.php?​t=1997899&​highlight=tire+compound&​page=2))
   * A telltale sign that your tires are becoming old is if they have become weather checked (cracked around the circumference). But that doesn'​t always have to be the case. Many tire manufacturers actually add anti-oxidants to help prevent the breakdown from exposure to air. The integrity of the tire could still be compromised with increased age though. It's because of this and the fact that not all tires are manufactured the same that it's a good rule of thumb to try to purchase tires with the newest manufacturer date. This date will be printed on the sidewall of the tire. The large turnover of tires at retailers usually helps ensure that you are buying the newer tires. ((https://​www.denniskirk.com/​learn/​motorcycle-tire-guide))   * A telltale sign that your tires are becoming old is if they have become weather checked (cracked around the circumference). But that doesn'​t always have to be the case. Many tire manufacturers actually add anti-oxidants to help prevent the breakdown from exposure to air. The integrity of the tire could still be compromised with increased age though. It's because of this and the fact that not all tires are manufactured the same that it's a good rule of thumb to try to purchase tires with the newest manufacturer date. This date will be printed on the sidewall of the tire. The large turnover of tires at retailers usually helps ensure that you are buying the newer tires. ((https://​www.denniskirk.com/​learn/​motorcycle-tire-guide))
   * Service life is dependent on many variables such as inflation pressure, storage, driving conditions, loads, general maintenance and abuse. ((http://​www.dunlopmotorcycletires.com/​care/​faq/​))   * Service life is dependent on many variables such as inflation pressure, storage, driving conditions, loads, general maintenance and abuse. ((http://​www.dunlopmotorcycletires.com/​care/​faq/​))