With the rise of road spiking incidents — where sharp objects are deliberately placed on roads to damage vehicles and target unsuspecting drivers — road safety has become an increasing concern for motorists. Here are some tips to staying safe.
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Understanding how tyres respond to these situations and knowing how to react can make a significant difference in ensuring your safety. Keith Phelps, Dunlop Tyres SA’s leading technical tyre expert, provides valuable insights and practical advice for drivers facing such emergencies.
When a tyre is punctured, drivers may notice several immediate signs. According to Phelps, “A hissing noise might be heard, the vehicle could suddenly pull to one side of the road, or you may feel vibrations on the steering wheel.” These are clear indications that your tyre has been compromised. When a spike or similar object penetrates a tyre, it disrupts the steel protector breaker plies, leading to sudden deflation, also referred to as run-flat tyre damage. “In such cases, the tyre’s casing or carcass integrity is affected, making repairs impossible. Placing a damaged tyre back into service will result in failure,” Phelps warns.
The speed at which you’re driving can significantly influence the extent of tyre damage. “If a vehicle collides with a large object at high speed, the tyre can burst, and the driver may lose control. At lower speeds, the sidewall’s flexibility helps the tyre withstand the impact, providing better control,” Phelps explains. He adds that sudden deflation compromises the tyre’s inner structure and impacts the vehicle’s handling. This can cause the car to pull to one side or result in unusual vibrations on the steering wheel. Crucially, drivers should avoid braking abruptly when a tyre fails. Instead, Phelps advises, “Hold the steering wheel firmly to keep the vehicle moving in a straight line. Braking suddenly shifts the vehicle’s weight to the front axle, increasing the risk of losing control.”
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For drivers who feel unsafe or vulnerable, especially during suspected spiking incidents, stopping immediately to inspect tyre damage may not be ideal. “If you feel unsafe, continue driving on the flat tyre until you reach a secure location,” Phelps recommends. He also advises alerting local law enforcement and notifying family or friends about your situation, and sharing your live location if possible. However, driving on a punctured tyre should be done cautiously. “Drive at 30-40 km/h to avoid worsening the damage while prioritising your safety. Driving faster can cause casing or carcass breakup and may even generate sparks if the rim contacts the road surface,” Phelps says. He notes that alloy rims, while less likely to spark, are more susceptible to damage than steel rims.
When it comes to tyre safety, all four tyres are equally important as they carry the vehicle’s load. However, Phelps highlights that spiking the front tyres has a more significant impact. “70% of a vehicle’s braking ability comes from the front axle. If the rear tyres are damaged, you retain more control, as the rear axle contributes only 30% to braking,” he explains.
Modern tyres are designed for durability, but they’re not immune to deliberate spiking. Some high-end and military vehicles are equipped with run-flat inserts, but this technology remains uncommon due to its high manufacturing cost. Phelps suggests an alternative: “Motorists can use after-market tyre sealants to buffer small punctures from screws or nails. However, these sealants may not withstand the size of spikes used in road spiking incidents.” Carrying temporary repair kits or small compressors that connect to the vehicle’s battery is also advisable, though these solutions are temporary and require tyre replacement afterwards.
Proper tyre maintenance plays a crucial role in minimising the risk of damage. “Think of tyre health like building a strong immune system. Regular maintenance ensures your tyres are ready to withstand impacts,” says Phelps. He advises drivers to ensure tyres are correctly inflated, inspect them weekly for vulnerabilities, and rotate them every 8 000 to 10 000 km. For those driving in severe off-road conditions, using a three-ply sidewall tyre is more effective than a standard radial tyre.
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