Tyres are among the most vital parts of the bike. A pair of well-maintained tubeless tyres assures good ride quality and great performance. It also allows you to enjoy safer rides anytime, anywhere. Just like any other component of the bike, tyres are subject to wear and tear with constant usage. So, you need to check your bike tyres regularly and change them whenever necessary. The best tyre dealers in Ludhiana, Delhi, Amritsar, and other large cities offer a wide variety of bike tyres.
Before purchasing new tyres to replace the old ones, you should have a proper idea of when to exactly replace a bike tyre. Here are a few signs that you should look for to know if your bike needs new tubeless tyres: –
Wear & Tear
Wear is among the most common signs indicating that a tyre must no longer be in use. To help bike owners get a better understanding of the wear status of a tyre, manufacturers include a Tyre Wear Indicator (TWI) mark on a tyre’s sidewall. The indicator is represented by a triangular arrow and acts as a threshold. In case the surface of the tyre reaches the TWI mark, it shall be a clear indication that the tyre must be replaced.
Uneven Tread Wear
A tyre may not get worn out completely in many instances, but that does not imply that it doesn’t need attention. Tyre wear is an obvious sign that it needs to be replaced. However, be wary of uneven or irregular tread wear. Uneven tread wear occurs when the tyre does not uniformly wear out. The most common indicator of this issue is squarish wear, in whose case the centre part of the tread gets worn out more than the edges. It is better to avoid riding on a tyre with uneven tread wear. Buying a new tubeless tyre for your bike would help maintain optimal performance and stability.
Scalping of the Front Tyre
Cupping or scalping of the front tyre is a form of uneven wear. The tyre gets worn out along the length of the tread, which causes handling and stability issues in the bike. It can be a major safety concern. Scalping also may occur due to a poor suspension setup. Hence, if you find your bike tyre getting scalped from the sides, you should also get your suspension properly checked and serviced, apart from investing in a new tyre.
Frequent Flat or Sealant Leaks
One of the biggest benefits of using tubeless tyres is their resistance to flats. In traditional tube-type tyres, a small puncture can result in an immediate flat tyre. However, tubeless tyres employ a tight seal between the tyre and rim. They feature a liquid sealant that blocks tiny holes as they occur and prevents air from escaping. It invariably lowers the risk of getting a complete flat.
If you experience frequent flats even while using tubeless tyres, then it might be an indication that the tyre is approaching the end of its life. The rubber may thin out with time, making it easier for sharp objects to penetrate. If the sealant in the tyre struggles to patch small punctures, it might mean the tyre rubber is too damaged or the sealant has dried out. You must change the tyre if it shows signs of wear or deterioration alongside dried sealant.
Age of Tyres
Even if the tyre is not worn out and does not have too many cuts, its age is an important factor in knowing whether it must be replaced or not. The majority of manufacturers recommend replacing tyres after five years. The rubber in tyres hardens as the oils evaporate with time. In case it is left unchecked, this might compromise the safety parameters of the bike.
Damage in the Sidewalls
Owing to bad road conditions or riding patterns, the sidewall of a tyre might get damaged. You can check if such an issue persists by simply looking at the sides of the tyre. Damaged sidewalls may compromise the ability of the tyre to support the weight of the vehicle. Any visible dent, crack, bubble or damage can be an indication that your tyre has to be replaced.
If you want to keep your bike tyres in good condition and make them last longer, it is imperative to check them on a regular basis and maintain proper tyre pressure. The tyre you need for your bike would depend on many factors, including vehicle specifications, features, and pricing.
You should verify the latest information from the best tyre dealers in Ludhiana, Delhi, Mumbai or any other reliable source before making any purchasing decisions.
Author bio: The author has worked in the automobile industry for more than a decade. With the experience and knowledge he has gained from the industry over the years, he likes to write blogs to help people understand all the aspects related to the industry in a better way.