What is Tire Vulcanization? Here are the Advantages and Disadvantages
Tire vulcanization is often used as an alternative when replacing tires. So why is it considered an alternative? What are its advantages and disadvantages? For more details, please see the following review.
What is Tire Vulcanization?
For some people, tire vulcanization is seen as an alternative when they want to replace tires. So what is meant by tire vulcanization? Why do some people choose this option? Tire vulcanization is a used tire that is repaired and restored by applying a rubber layer to the worn surface of the tire so that it can be reused.
Advantages of Tire Vulcanization
Although tire vulcanization is a repaired used tire, it has several advantages as follows.
1. More economical price
The main advantage of tire vulcanization can be seen from its more economical price compared to new tires. This can happen because tire vulcanization involves used tires that are repaired, so the production costs are also lower compared to the production costs of new tires.
2. Reduces tire waste
In addition to being cheap, tire vulcanization can also help reduce the waste of used tires that are no longer in use. This can have a positive impact on the environment as it is not contaminated by used tire waste.
Disadvantages of Tire Vulcanization
Since tire vulcanization involves repaired used tires, this type of tire certainly has several disadvantages. The complete list of disadvantages is as follows.
1. Tire durability is not as strong as new tires
The durability of vulcanized tires tends to wear out more easily compared to new tires. This is one of the disadvantages of tire vulcanization. This disadvantage is quite reasonable because tire vulcanization involves used tires that are repaired. Compared to the use of original new tires, the durability of vulcanized tires is only 60% to 70% of the durability of those original new tires. The lifespan of vulcanized tires usually lasts only 24-48 months.
2. Less optimal performance
Although tire vulcanization can provide traction similar to that of new tires in general, the traction produced is less optimal compared to the traction generated by original tires. This will certainly affect driving comfort, especially during braking or driving on uneven roads or in extreme weather conditions.
3. Vehicle becomes unstable
Using vulcanized tires on a vehicle will cause the vehicle to become less stable because the tire tread position on the vulcanized tire is unbalanced. This happens because during installation, the tire tread position is done haphazardly or manually.
4. Tires are prone to leaks and bursts
Vulcanized tires often experience tire leaks, especially small leaks in the inner tire. Additionally, vulcanized tires often burst when used on damaged road surfaces or in extreme weather conditions during summer. This occurs because the length of the remaining rubber on vulcanized tires is shorter than that of original tires, the compound in vulcanized tires is not homogeneous because the materials used are not the same as those of original tires, and the tread design tends to be zig-zag.
5. Higher risk of accidents
Because vulcanized tires are more susceptible to structural failure, this condition results in a higher risk of accidents compared to the use of original tires.
Read Also: Difference Between Tubeless Tires and Regular Tires
Thus, a complete review of tire vulcanization that needs to be known. Considering the many disadvantages of tire vulcanization and the threats to driver safety, make sure you always use original tires when replacing tires to avoid the risk of accidents and enhance driving comfort.