One of the smallest portions of a tire but with one of the most important roles. It is about tire shoulder, which all car specialists say is essential. In general, tire shoulders are the components that directly influence the stability of the car, especially while cornering. In the same context, these are indicators of a potential issue with the suspension system.
Being in the most visible area of the tire, it is very easy to understand whether the condition of the tire shoulder is affected or not. But what signs tell you they would undergo any damage? Lucky you, here we are to help you in this matter.
What is tire shoulder, by definition?
The term refers to the portion of the tire that connects the sidewall with the tire tread. It is the connection point between these 2 tire components that receives a fairly heavy load during any drive. The tire shoulder is a crucial element in the support of both the tread and the sidewall because the excess effort on them is concentrated precisely on this connection point, i.e. the tire shoulder. For this reason, manufacturers make tire shoulders extremely thick. Moreover, these are the thickest components in the construction of a tire. With a denser structure, the shoulders cope with the eminent pressure from the sidewall and tread.
How to properly maintain the tire shoulder?
Taking into account the importance of this tire component, its care, and maintenance are every driver's moral duty. Tire shoulders are mainly affected by curbs hitting while driving. Also, drivers who tend to exaggerate the pressure, or reduce it, tend to impact the inner structure of the tire shoulders. As a result, these deteriorate prematurely.
Taking into account these 2 influencing factors, it is not difficult to deduce what you can do to prevent prejudice to tire shoulders. All you have to do is follow the manufacturer's suggestions regarding the pressure indicators. Both under and over pressure bring about an additional effort for tire shoulders, making them sensitive to damage.
In the same context, be as cautious as you can about bumps and curbs. I know that it is difficult to avoid them many times, but try to have a judicious driving style so that you can react before the impact.
Regular technical checkup
It is welcome to do a visual inspection to identify potential tire shoulder damage. However, some impacts can manifest themselves inside the shoulder without visible symptoms on the outside. Interior tire damage is more dangerous than exterior one because you never know to what extent the tire is affected. In this context, drivers can undergo a tire blowout without even knowing that the premise was an affected tire shoulder.
So apart from the regular visual inspection, you would do your car a favor if you asked a technician to inspect the shoulders in the context of inner damage. Technicians have special tools that help them identify issues you might have missed.
Another important way for the prevention of shoulder damage is the regular rotation of the tires. Rotation is extremely beneficial not only for tire shoulders but also for their entire structure.