Check Tyre Pressure
Four small patches of rubber each about the size of your hand are the only parts of the car in touch with the road so having the right tyres, in good condition and correctly inflated is very important for your safety.
Regular checks, tyre rotations and wheel alignments help to make tyres last longer and can save you money.
What increases tyre wear?
Driving style – aggressive cornering and braking increases tyre wear
Position – front tyres wear faster because of movement through steering and tyres on drive wheels will wear more quickly
Speed – high speed driving increases temperature and tyre wear
Load – excess load increases tyre wear
Pressure – under inflation (through increased flexing and temperature) and over inflation (through reduced contact area) can both increase tyre wear
Alignment – tyres will wear quickly and unevenly if wheel alignment is wrong or if there is excessive wear in suspension components
Running a car is already expensive so you want to make your money go as far as possible. Looking after your tyres is a good place to start. Tyres are the only parts of your car which are in contact with the road. Safety in acceleration, braking, steering and cornering all depend on a relatively small area of road contact. It is therefore important that your car tyres are maintained in good condition at all times and when the time comes to change them, the correct tyres are fitted.
Often car tyres need to be replaced before their specified life has been reached mainly because of rapid or uneven tread wear. The most common causes of avoidable tread wear are Under-Inflating which causes rapid wear along the edges of the tread and Over-Inflating which causes rapid wear along the centre of the tread. Faulty shock absorbers can cause flat spots on the tread of the tyre.
Incorrect wheel alignment can cause wear on the inside or outside edges of the tyres. If you hit a kerb or a pot hole the settings of the steering geometry may become misaligned resulting in uneven wear. Wear and tear in the steering components can also affect wheel alignment so it’s worth having a wheel alignment every 20 000 km.
Incorrect tyre pressure can reduce the life of your tyres, and may make your car less safe to drive. Check and adjust pressure when tyres are cold. You’ll find your cars correct tyre pressure on the tyre placard on the inside of your glove box or inside the driver’s door.
You should check for a minimum tread depth of 1.5 mm on any part of the tyre surface that comes into contact with the road. Tyres have indicators in their tread pattern which show when they are worn down. Check your tyres for abnormal wear or damage (such as cracks, bulges or tears).
Utilise the Spare Tyre
5 years is the maximum life recommended by tyre manufacturers. If the tyre has not been used by this time, there is a risk that the tyre may increase heat and cracks and cause a blowout. When the tyre heats up during normal road use it relies on the oil and moisture content to keep it cool and pliable. Having it sitting on the back of your 4WD or in the boot of your car will dry out the tyre and when you fit it, it may blow out and cause damage to your vehicle or, even worse, a crash.
By routinely rotating tyres you can eliminate this problem and extend the life of your tyres. In some cases this is not practical due to directional or different sized tyres which are only suitable to a particular side or particular position on a vehicle. Always refer to your owner’s handbook and follow the instructions.
Bring your car in and we will check your tyre pressures free of charge. We offer a Tyre replacement, puncture repairs and wheel alignment service.
