The Importance of Tyre Care

by Carla Simpson | 1 min read    February 2nd, 2021
 

It is extremely important to take care of your car tyres. After all, tyres are the only link between your car and the road. Failing to look after them properly can compromise the vehicle, leaving you with costly repairs. The last thing you want is a tyre blowout and to be stuck miles away from home. Worse still, it could put yourself and other drivers at serious risk on the road.

To avoid these awful situations, here are a few tyre maintenance tips to keep your vehicle safe and roadworthy for longer:

1.      Tyre Pressure

Check your tyre pressure frequently (at least once a month). Proper inflation pressure is important for safety and fuel economy. If your tyres are under or over inflated, it can increase fuel consumption and make them more susceptible to wear and tear. Having the wrong pressure can also result in a blowout, which can cause you to lose control of your car.

2.      Treading

More tread means more grip! The legal minimum tread depth for your tyre is 1.6m. If your tyres are below this you must get them changed. It can be extremely dangerous to drive on bald or nearly bald tyres. Especially in poor weather conditions, your car could go skidding and cause a serious road accident.

3.      Check for damage / unusual wear and tear

Frequently inspect your tyres for signs of damage or unusual wear and tear. This can include cuts, swelling, bumps or any objects that have punctured the tyre. If you notice any of these problems, you will need to get them checked by a professional mechanic and repaired if necessary. In some cases, the tyre will need to be replaced altogether.

4.      Wheel Alignment

Get a wheel alignment check every year to avoid uneven tread wear. Daily impacts such as potholes can knock your vehicle’s tyres out of alignment. Correct wheel alignment can help your tyres perform properly and last longer.

5.      Don’t Overload your Car

Check your vehicle’s owner’s manual to determine the load limits. Overloading your vehicle places stress on your tyres and other critical vehicle components. This can also cause poor handling, increased fuel consumption and may cause tyre damage.

6.      Timely Replacement

Do not leave it too late to replace your tyres. Tyre life varies, if you maintain your tyres well they will last longer. However, all tyres wear out or become damaged eventually and will need replacing. Always replace tyres once tread wear indicator is visible.

Following these tips will help to avoid tyre damage, reduce costs and keep you and others safe on the road.