We expect our tyres to perform safely and go the distance for us – and it makes sense that most of us would rather not have to replace them more often than is absolutely necessary. With this in mind, the good news is that while we can’t avoid replacing tyres when the time comes, there is a lot we can do to prolong their lifespan and get the best possible mileage from them.
Here are a few simple tips to assist with caring for your tyres and getting them working cost effectively for you.
The way you drive makes a huge difference
Treat your tyres with care! Avoid driving aggressively or hitting curbs and potholes (wherever possible) as well as hard braking and sharp cornering which all contribute to uneven and premature wear and possibly damage to the tyre.
Do regular tyre checks
Checking your tyre regularly for cuts or objects embedded in the rubber means that if there is a problem you will be able to pick it up more quickly, minimise repair costs and even avoid tyre replacement. Also keep a close eye on the tread – you need 1.6mm of tread on a tyre for its safe use. If you are unsure of how to check your tread, it is highly recommended that you have a tyre specialist take a look.
Correct inflation is vital
This may seem obvious, but keeping your tyres inflated at the correct and optimal level for your vehicle is not only important for safety reasons, but it will also help ensure more even wear and fuel efficiency. Remember that both too much and too little air can be detrimental. Inflate your tyres when they are cool, at the start of a journey and check the pressure regularly (the more mileage you do the more regularly these checks should be). Remember to also consult your owner’s manual for information on increasing the pressure for heavy loads.
Avoid overloading
Overloading your vehicle puts extra pressure on your tyres, causing uneven wear and potentially damaging them.
Rotate, align and balance
Incidents such as hitting a pothole or curb, or even some roads surfaces can affect the balance and alignment of your tyres and wheels. If you notice your vehicle vibrating or pulling to one side, it is advisable to get your tyres aligned. Rotating your tyres can help to ensure even wear – however not all front and back tyres are interchangeable, so make sure yours are suitable to be rotated before going ahead.
Avoid contact with chemicals
Chemicals and fertilisers can damage your tyres, so where possible avoid contact with such substances.
