There are few things more annoying than jumping into your vehicle and expecting to get somewhere on time, only to be held up or run late because it’s not running as clockwork! Taking a couple of minutes to check on your tyres regularly could make all the difference – here are some of the key things to keep an eye on.
Pressure, pressure, pressure…. When it comes to your tyres, getting tyre pressures right and keeping them that way will ensure your vehicle has good traction with the road as well as promote more even tread wear and longer tyre life! The correct inflation level for your vehicle can usually be found on the inside panel of the driver’s door (or failing that, in your owner’s manual). Always inflate your tyres when they are cool – and make sure you take the time to check them before a long trip.
The importance of valve caps… They may be tiny, but valve caps play the vital role of keeping dirt, grease and moisture out of your tyres, and the air in! You can drive without them, but if you lose one it is highly recommended you get it replaced as soon as possible.
Tread carefully… Having a good amount of tread on your tyres is vital for the safe-running of your vehicle. While the minimum legal requirement for roadworthiness of passenger vehicles in Australia is 1.5 mm, it is recommended you have at least 3mm tread on your tyres. You can check the tread yourself just by looking at the tread indicators (small rubber blocks at intervals on the tyre’s surface), however, sometimes you may need a tyre expert using specialised tools to do an exact measurement.
Keep balanced… When you replace your tyres or at other times such as when you’ve hit a pothole or curb, or just notice that your vehicle is vibrating or pulling to one side, getting your tyres balanced is advisable. This is important for optimal safety and performance of your vehicle, as well as to ensure the even wear of your tyres.
Treat your tyres well…The more care you give your tyres, the longer the life you are likely to get from them. Doing regular checks for embedded items (such as nails), ensuring proper inflation and avoiding aggressive driving and sharp braking, can make all the difference to tyre longevity, fuel efficiency and getting you where you need to be, on time!
