Whether you’re cruising around on a motorcycle for your holiday, taking the kids to school in the family sedan or piloting a commercial vehicle for work, your tyres are important. After all, not only can an unsafe tyre become a hazard to you and other drivers, but tyres don’t come cheap! Ignoring your tyres’ upkeep can end up costing you money, time and safety, so it’s imperative to look after them.
Don’t worry, though. Tyre upkeep doesn’t have to be a hassle. There are a few simple things you can do to keep your tyres in top shape so they last longer, drive better and keep you safe.
1. Maintain the correct tyre pressure.
Over or underinflating your tyres can lead to increased fuel consumption, greater susceptibility to damage and the possibility of a blowout. It can even affect the way your vehicle handles. Try to check your tyre pressure at least every month and before any long car trips to be sure it’s within the recommended range.
2. Be on the lookout for wear and tear.
Take a few seconds to walk around your car every day and inspect your tyres for any cuts, abrasions, bulges or protruding objects. You may also want to check the tread of your tyre, which should be between 3 mm and 8 mm but no less than 1.5 mm.
3. Practise tyre-friendly driving.
One of the easiest ways to increase the lifespan of your tyres is to treat them well! Be aware of your surroundings so you don’t run into a curb and try to avoid potholes, speedbumps, extremely rough roads and aggressive breaking. Additionally, if you’re ever stuck in mud or water, don’t spin your tyres trying to get out – this can cause them to overheat.
4. Don’t overload your car.
An overly-heavy vehicle can put excessive pressure on its tyres, causing them to wear faster or even blow out. Be sure you know how much weight your car can handle and stick to it.
5. Visit your local mechanic.
A quick visit to your local mechanic for an alignment, rotation or balancing can help maximise your tyre life, decrease fuel consumption and can even help you catch dangerous damage before it becomes problematic. Try to visit every 5,000 to 10,000 km for maximum benefits.