Big rigs, also known as tractor trailers, 18-wheelers, or semi trucks, are constantly traveling roads, interstates, and highways around the country. They carry precious cargo, groceries, animals, technology, and a myriad of other products and items. Without these big rigs, life would definitely be a little different. Each one of those semi trucks has 18 to 26 tires to carry the load at high speeds, so the tires are critical to not only the driver's schedule, but the economy too. Funny how a little bit of rubber can affect the whole country. Here is a little bit more about those all-important big rig tires.
Vulcanization
Big rig tires are made of rubber, but during the manufacturing process, they undergo a process called vulcanization. This process involves adding sulfur to the rubber to form cross-links between the rubber polymer chains. Imagine inside each tire are a bunch of long spaghetti noodles, these are like the polymer chains. The sulfur connects each chain (or noodle) to one another to add strength and rigidity. Here are some other benefits of vulcanization:
Gators
Gator is the term used around the trucking world for shredded and blown tires on the side of the road. With the sheer volume of big rigs and their tires traveling on the road, it's no wonder there are some gators around. According to AAA, blown and shredded tires constitute the greatest volume of road debris on highways and interstates. Highway patrol and cleanup crews try to keep the roads clear, but it's hard to keep up.
Retreading vs Replacement
When the tread gets too low, the tires will be susceptible to blowing out, causing those gators to appear on the road. The goal is to get the tires replaced or retreaded in time so that doesn't happen. Retreading is a process in which the old tread is completely taken off and then new tread is glued back on with special adhesive. Replacement is self-explanatory; the tire is taken off and replaced with a new one. Retreading is cheaper, and a National Highway Traffic Safety Administration study has shown that retreading does not make the tire more likely to blow out.
So when driving on the freeway, be grateful for those big rigs, even if they go a bit slower than you. And be very grateful for the tires that keep those trucks on the road. For more information, contact F & H Tire Co. or a similar company.
Share15 January 2015
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