Chinese Tire Failure

[MyPrevost]

OK, I’ll admit the title wasn’t entirely fair to Double Coin.

Here’s what happened: As usual, before heading out on a trip last week, I checked my tires and found that the inner driver’s side drive tire had lost all pressure. It’s a Double Coin that I had installed 4 1/2 years ago, and until now, it had performed flawlessly.

The issue turned out to be a catastrophic sidewall failure. Unfortunately, I didn’t get a photo, but it seems the failure was caused by significant damage to the tread. It looks like I ran over something that tore a chunk out of the tread, about the size of a golf ball to baseball, which not only damaged the tread but also broke the steel belts.

The tire was holding air after my last trip. As is my habit, I placed the chassis on stands so the tires and wheels had minimal weight on them. When I took the stands off just before the trip, the tire was still holding air. Two days later, however, it had lost all pressure. The outer tire was visibly supporting the entire axle weight, and when I checked the inner tire, it was completely loose on the wheel.

Upon removing the wheel, I found a radial tear about 4 inches long in the sidewall right next to the damaged tread.

I don’t recall hitting anything on the road, so I can only assume the damage occurred from something like a loose piece of crushed stone, which I sometimes find on my driveway. If I ran over it while backing up the hill to the garage, it would explain the damage without any on-road failure.

This situation has me thinking more seriously about tire pressure sensors, though I still need to address some concerns I have with their use.

[MyPrevost]

An inner dual coming apart at 62.5 mph can be costly! Glad that didn’t happen to you.

It’s definitely time to invest in sensors—they’ve saved my skin three times already!

[MyPrevost]

Sorry to hear about the tire, but I’m glad it happened in the garage and not on one of those rough NY roads.

The Pressure Pro sensors weigh just 0.6 oz and are a fantastic system. I’m ready to place your order—are you ready to go ahead with it?

[MyPrevost]

Glad to hear your tire failure happened in the garage and not on the highway!

I was also hesitant about installing a TPMS because I always checked my tires before driving the bus. But I soon realized how easy it is to pick up something that doesn’t show up until you’re on the road.

Maybe it was just your lucky day—time to buy that lottery ticket!

[MyPrevost]

I’d also recommend considering the Smartire system. One of its main advantages is that the sensors are mounted on the inside of the tire, directly on the wheel. With its temperature function and alarm, it provides an extra data point that could alert you to potential tire failures or issues with bearings or hubs.

Of course, the interior mount does mean the system is a bit more challenging to install and service if necessary.

[MyPrevost]

I’ve been considering installing sensors and had the Smartire system before, which I liked. I’m wondering about the possibility of sensors that screw onto the valve stem coming loose or issues with extensions leaking. On the other hand, with Smartire, all the tires need to come off for installation.

It sounds like there have been improvements to the Smartire system, like no longer needing the metal band around the hub. I’m still undecided, but I do believe in the value of sensors.

Gary

[MyPrevost]

OK, I’ll admit the title wasn’t entirely fair to Double Coin.

Here’s what happened: As usual, before heading out on a trip last week, I checked my tires and found that the inner driver’s side drive tire had lost all pressure. It’s a Double Coin that I had installed 4 1/2 years ago, and until now, it had performed flawlessly.

The issue turned out to be a catastrophic sidewall failure. Unfortunately, I didn’t get a photo, but it seems the failure was caused by significant damage to the tread. It looks like I ran over something that tore a chunk out of the tread, about the size of a golf ball to baseball, which not only damaged the tread but also broke the steel belts.

The tire was holding air after my last trip. As is my habit, I placed the chassis on stands so the tires and wheels had minimal weight on them. When I took the stands off just before the trip, the tire was still holding air. Two days later, however, it had lost all pressure. The outer tire was visibly supporting the entire axle weight, and when I checked the inner tire, it was completely loose on the wheel.

Upon removing the wheel, I found a radial tear about 4 inches long in the sidewall right next to the damaged tread.

I don’t recall hitting anything on the road, so I can only assume the damage occurred from something like a loose piece of crushed stone, which I sometimes find on my driveway. If I ran over it while backing up the hill to the garage, it would explain the damage without any on-road failure.

This situation has me thinking more seriously about tire pressure sensors, though I still need to address some concerns I have with their use.

Jon,

I believe tire sensors are absolutely essential. I have the Smartire system (which, unfortunately, is out of business now), and I’ve found it invaluable. It’s great for spotting issues like a nail on the interstate. Modern sensors can detect both temperature increases and pressure drops, and they even have alarms for when pressure falls below a certain level. You really can’t beat a system like that, in my opinion.

So, the $64 question is: What brand will you choose to replace your Double Coin with?

I’d personally go with another Double Coin, given that the other five tires are performing well after 4 1/2 years. Financially, you’re well ahead of the curve!

I replace my rear tires every 5 years and my front ones every 3 years, which is common practice among many of us.

I think it’s unfair to blame the tire for damage caused by hitting something on the road.

 

[MyPrevost]

“We use Double Coin tires on our small fleet of Volvo dump trucks, and they hold up really well, even with some off-road use. The point is, any tire can fail, even when it’s well maintained, as Jon does with his tires.

[MyPrevost]

“Out of convenience and due to a fleet price, I replaced the damaged tire with a BF Goodrich. While I have no issues with BFG as a brand, I prefer not to use this tire again. The reason is its sidewall design with lots of grooves and prominent lettering, which I find less desirable. I’m looking for tires with a smooth sidewall and minimal branding to avoid advertising the manufacturer after paying a premium for them. Ideally, I won’t need to buy new tires for another year or two.

Regarding tire pressure sensor systems, I’m not yet ready to make the switch. I use fill-through valve stem caps, and since I started using them, I’ve only needed to add about a pound of air every six months, usually due to temperature drops. I appreciate the double seal these caps provide and the ease of checking and filling pressures with a long straight foot tire chuck.

Although I liked the idea of the inner sensor system, it’s no longer available, and I’m not convinced that a single-seal sensor that screws onto the valve stem is a better option. My concern is that switching from a double seal (the Schrader valve and the fill-through cap) to a single seal might increase the risk of leakage.

Another factor in my reluctance is the inconvenience of removing or installing sensors to access the valve stem for filling, as opposed to simply using my valve with a dial gauge. I’ve also experienced failures with other types of sensors (coolant level, transmission temperature, turbo boost pressure, etc.), which makes me wary. For instance, I’ve seen a coach with tire pressure sensors showing 70 PSI in a tire that should have had at least 105 PSI, with no warning displayed.

While I understand the logic that a sensor system could eventually save me from a problem, I’m still hesitant. Until I can overcome these concerns, I’ll stick to manually checking tire pressures before trips. I also monitor tire temperatures at stops, and they seem to be quite consistent, which I find almost as reliable as a TPS if temperatures are measured right after stopping.

[MyPrevost]

Jon,

As an interesting aside to our discussion on tires, I attended a presentation yesterday by an auto analyst from Mizuho Securities. He mentioned that Bridgestone, a Japanese company, is returning to a 90% rubber content in their tires, with the rest being synthetic. During the presentation, I asked about Chinese tire production. While he didn’t have detailed knowledge of the Chinese tire market, he noted that there are over 100 separate tire companies in China. I was taken aback by the sheer number and concerned about potential cost-cutting measures these companies might employ to compete. I’m glad you caught your issue before it became a problem on the road.

In another eye-opening statistic, Mizuho predicts that China will build office space equivalent to ten times New York City’s over the next 15 years, and India will build space equivalent to eight times NYC. Quite remarkable.

Pres

[MyPrevost]

Jon,

What are your thoughts on a system like this:

Tyron Tire Protection

It’s primarily designed for protection and to help you get to a truck stop to replace a flat tire with a new one. It could be a useful addition for peace of mind and convenience.

[MyPrevost]

I didn’t understand what the band was for and how it allows you to run flat. I see they have internal pressure sensors but did not see any specific to large truck type tires (tyres).

[MyPrevost]

Unless there’s been a recent change, SMARTIRE is still in business, though they’ve discontinued their old RV product. They were acquired by Bendix, which now offers a system designed for buses and trucks. You can get this system from Bendix distributors, although many may not be fully familiar with it. I spoke with my local Bendix rep, who provided part numbers and ordering information. The new system focuses on fleets, as the original SMARTIRE product was aimed more at high-end RV owners, a smaller market.

The current system still uses the same wheel sensors to monitor both pressure and temperature. I firmly believe that any tool to detect tire issues before they become catastrophic is a worthwhile investment. Checking tire temperatures when you stop is useful, but nothing beats having real-time monitoring while you’re on the road. I installed this system on my coach last summer.

Miles Circo 2004 Country Coach 45′ XLII D/S

[MyPrevost]

Miles, do you have a link for the Bendix Smart Tire system? The Smart Tire site shows the product as discontinued, and it looks like parts or service might only be available through former Smart Tire dealers.

[MyPrevost]

Miles, do you have a link for the Bendix Smart Tire system? The Smart Tire site shows the product as discontinued, and it looks like parts or service might only be available through former Smart Tire dealers.

Google is your friend!

[Author]

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