While tyres may seem to be a pretty straightforward subject (after all they’re generally black, round and rubbery, aren’t they?) when it comes to choosing and looking after your tyres there’s actually a bit more to this picture. Being the only thing between your vehicle and the road means that they’re extremely important both for safety and performance reasons, so taking the time to make sure yours are up to the task is absolutely worth the time and effort.
Checking that your tyres are safe for your vehicle and load is also not something to ‘set and forget’, but rather a priority that should be a regular part of your vehicle maintenance.
To help you get the most from your tyres (and ensure they’re right to go the distance) we’ve put together a few basic tips and checks to help get you on your way and keep them in optimal condition.
How often should you check your tyres?
Tyres should be checked at least monthly and always before setting off on a long road trip or when your vehicle is carrying an extra load. Remember to also check the spare at the same time if you have one. A flat or damaged spare will be no good to you in an emergency!
Checking the tread and tyre pressures
It is vital to keep an eye on the tread of your tyres in order to ensure they meet the Australian minimum legal requirements (which we talk about in more detail later) and to make sure they aren’t damaged in a way that compromises their safety.
Tread indicators (small rubber blocks at intervals across your tyres) enable you to check your tread depth. When the blocks are level with the rest of the tyre, your tyres will need to be replaced so that you can continue to drive safely and legally. The network of Tyrepower tyre dealers are experts you can call on if you need help, however by doing frequent visual checks yourself, you will be in good position to notice the early signs of your tyres starting to wear. Cuts in the tyre or objects such as nails which may be embedded could cause a flat tyre or other problems, so noticing these (and having them repaired) before they become an issue that brings your vehicle to a standstill, can save you both inconvenience and possible replacement costs.
Checking your tyre pressures is another essential part of basic tyre maintenance — remembering that they should be checked when the tyres are cool, before setting off on a trip. As mentioned earlier, if your vehicle is carrying a heavier than normal load, tyre pressures should be increased (in line with the manufacturer’s guidelines). The correct pressure for your tyres is usually easily found on the inside of the driver’s door, on a label in the glovebox or alternatively check your vehicle owner’s manual. Many service stations have modern easy-to-use pressure gauges/inflation stations that you can use free of charge.
Why are correct tyre pressures so important anyway?
Over- or under-inflated tyres will impede their all-important grip and can be the cause of aquaplaning and compromise their contact with the road and your ability to brake and control the vehicle safely. Optimally inflated tyres also ensure more even tread wear, less likelihood of wheel rim damage and ensure greater fuel efficiency.
What is the minimum legal requirement for tyre tread depth?
The legal minimum for tyre tread depth (for a car’s roadworthiness) varies in each state, however it is recommended you have at least 3mm tread on your tyres. When tyres are new, they are usually between 6mm and 8mm. Penalties for tyres that don’t meet the legal requirements also vary from state to state, however these can involve both fines and demerit points.
Why does tread depth matter?
Braking distance is greatly increased as tread wears, impacting on your vehicle’s overall safety. Having sufficient tread ensures you have good grip on the road, helps to remove water between the tyres and the road and reduces the chance of aquaplaning and loss of control.
How long do tyres last?
This depends a lot on the quality of the tyres as well the type of roads you are driving on, how often you drive, your driving style and how well they are looked after and maintained.
What causes irregular wear?
Tyres wear differently depending on many factors such as where there they are situated (front or rear), the type of vehicle and even your individual driving style. Once again, things such as whether they are kept properly inflated can also have a direct impact on their wear.
When and why should I rotate my tyres?
Rotating your tyres about 8,000km to 10,000km can sometimes allow more even wear, providing the opportunity to extend the tread and life of your tyres and increase the ongoing safety of your ride. There are several different common types of rotation depending on whether your vehicle is a front drive or an all-wheel drive, including front and cross and 4 and 5 tyre rotation patterns. Please note that not all tyres can be rotated, so it’s advisable to check in with a Tyrepower dealer for their advice and assistance before going ahead.
What do the sidewall markings on a tyre mean?
The tyre’s sidewall provides details such as the manufacturer’s name and logo and tyre manufacture date. It also shows information such as the tyre’s size, serial number, wheel diameter, load index (maximum weight in kg it can carry) and speed ratio (maximum speed when correctly inflated and under load).
Where to go if you need help
The network of Tyrepower dealers is national, with each dealership offering a range of tyre maintenance and repair services. Use our handy dealer locator tool to find one most convenient to you, wherever you are around the country.
