Tire wear monitoring using feature fusion and CatBoost classifier

Abstract Addressing the critical issue of tire wear is essential for enhancing vehicle safety, performance, and maintenance. Worn-out tires often lead to accidents, underscoring the need for effective monitoring systems. This study is vital for several reasons: safety, as worn tires increase the risk of accidents due to reduced traction and longer braking distances; performance, as uneven tire wear affects vehicle handling and fuel efficiency; maintenance costs, as early detection can prevent more severe damage to suspension and alignment systems; and regulatory compliance, as ensuring tire integrity helps meet safety regulations imposed by transportation authorities. In response, this study systematically evaluates tire conditions at 25%, 50%, 75%, and 100% wear, with an intact tire as a reference, using vibration signals as the primary data source. The analysis employs statistical, histogram, and autoregressive–moving-average (ARMA) feature extraction techniques, followed by feature selection to identify key parameters influencing tire wear. CatBoost is used for feature classification, leveraging its adaptability and efficiency in distinguishing varying wear patterns. Additionally, the study incorporates feature fusion to combine different types of features for a more comprehensive analysis. The proposed methodology not only offers a robust framework for accurately classifying tire wear levels but also holds significant potential for real-time implementation, contributing to proactive maintenance practices, prolonged tire lifespan, and overall vehicular safety.