Tires are the primary parts of a vehicle that guarantee your safety when driving, and smoke coming from your tires is a clear indication that something is wrong.
As an expert with many years of experience, I will explain to you why this happens and how should you approach it. Find out in this detailed article as I delve into the world of tires.
Causes of a Smoking Tire
Over the years many people have come to me scared of the smoke coming out of the tires. I calmed them down and explained that they must first find out the cause.
I usually explain to my clients that several factors can lead to a damaged tire or a burning smell coming from cars, these factors are explained below.
Overinflation
When a car tire is overinflated, it means that the manufacturer’s recommended air pressure is exceeded, and the wheel becomes rigid as a result of the excess pressure, changing its shape and performance.
Increased friction between the tire and the road surface results from an overinflated tire because of the concentrated pressure on a smaller contact area.
Tire smoking results from the increased friction creating too much heat.
Overinflated tires wear unevenly, with the center of the tread experiencing more wear compared to the outer edges.
This uneven tire wear pattern compromises the grip and traction of wheels, especially in wet or slippery conditions.
Aggressive driving
Aggressive driving leads to rapid and frequent braking, accelerating, and turning, this can damage brake components such as the brake pad, the brake caliper, or brake lines.
Significant heat buildup occurs inside the tires as a result of these actions, which produce extreme friction between the tires and the road surface.
Tire wear is accelerated by sudden and frequent changes in direction and speed. Aggressive driving can cause tire treads to wear down unevenly, lowering their lifespan and compromising traction due to the intense friction.
The excessive heat generated due to aggressive driving can cause the tire rubber to degrade and weaken. As the tire’s structural integrity is compromised, it becomes more susceptible to failure and smoking.
Bad brakes
The brake system of a car is a complex network comprising various components such as the brake pad, the brake pedal, the brake fluid, and the hydraulic system.
These parts work together when functioning properly to produce friction and bring the car to a controlled stop.
Failing brakes or a bad brake pad can lead to prolonged braking or continuous contact between the brake components and the tire, causing heightened heat buildup.
This excessive heat caused by the brakes can transfer to the tire, surpassing its operational limits and potentially causing it to emit smoke.
The integrity and performance of the tire are directly impacted by failing brakes or bad brakes, smoke can be released from a tire due to prolonged and excessive friction between the brake components and the tire caused by issues like locked brakes, worn brake pads, stuck calipers, and hydraulic failures.
Wheel bearing
The wheel bearing is a mechanical component that supports the weight of the car or vehicle and allows the wheel to rotate smoothly.
There is more friction between the tire and the wheel hub when a wheel bearing deteriorates or has problems like wear, damage, or lack of lubrication.
Tire smoke and a burning smell are caused by the excessive heat produced by this increased friction.
A bad wheel bearing can increase friction during rotation, causing the wheel to create resistance or wobble.
The heat from this resistance is transferred to the car tire, leading to overheating and smoke emissions.
A failing wheel or a bad wheel bearing may cause vibrations that can compromise driving comfort in a car.
Tire wear
The tread of tires gradually loses its ability to maintain traction and effectively dissipate heat as they accumulate mileage.
The tread depth of tires reduces with wear, which affects how well they disperse heat.
Tires that have less tread depth may smoke because of increased friction and heat buildup while driving.
Worn tires are less effective at dissipating heat, especially when driving for extended periods or at high speeds. Smoking tires may result from friction-induced heat generation that exceeds the tire’s heat tolerance.
Mechanical problems
Friction between the brake parts and the tires of an automobile can be continuously caused by mechanical issues with the braking system, such as brake lines that aren’t working properly, worn-out brake pads, or stuck calipers.
This continuous contact generates excessive heat, leading to a burning smell and tire smoke.
Uneven tire wear can be caused by misaligned wheels or suspension system flaws. Tires that are misaligned or have suspension issues may have uneven tire pressure, which can cause increased friction in some parts of the car tire and possibly smoke.
Worn-out or damaged wheel bearings can cause the wheel to wobble or produce excessive heat due to increased friction. This excess heat can transfer to the tire, causing it to overheat and emit smoke.
When a vehicle experiences mechanical issues, particularly within important components like brake pads, suspension, wheel bearings, and axles, it can directly impact tire performance.
These mechanical faults induce increased friction, heat buildup, and potential tire damage, leading to a smoking tire.
Locked brakes
Locked brakes occur when the braking force applied exceeds the tire’s grip on the road. This excessive force prevents the wheel from rotating freely, causing it to skid or slide instead.
The tire can no longer rotate freely when the brakes lock up, resulting in constant skidding or sliding. In this situation, there is a significant amount of friction between the tire and the road, which leads to a substantial accumulation of heat.
The prolonged and severe friction that bad brakes or locked brakes produce quickly raises the temperature of the tire above its operating limits.
This intense heat may damage tires and possibly result in smoking tires.
Long-term locking of the brakes in a car can result in tire smoking and serious structural damage to the tire, which may eventually cause tire failure.
The solution to a smoking tire
Immediately you confirm that your tire has started smoking or if you notice smoke coming from your front or rear tire, stop the car to avoid escalating the issue, and get a professional as fast as you can.
FAQ
Why is my tire smoking and smells like burning rubber?
A smoking tire or a burning rubber smell coming from your tire is likely due to mechanical issues or a faulty brake caliper.
Can I drive with a smoking tire?
No, you should avoid driving your vehicle if you have a smoking wheel as this could lead to further damage and even jeopardize your safety.
Why is there smoke coming from my front wheel?
Smoke coming from your front wheels is an indication of a seized brake caliper or a bad brake pedal.
Why does my wheel smell like burning?
If you notice a burning smell coming from your wheel, stop driving immediately and locate a tire repair shop as this could be due to serious brake system issues.
Conclusion
Ultimately, noticing smoke coming from your tires or any other part of your vehicle can be very scary and intimidating. I recommend taking the necessary precautions and using this article as a guide so you can easily assess the situation and ensure a safe and amazing driving experience.
Feel free to write in the comments about your experience, and share this article so that more people can avoid this situation.