10 Tips To Extend The Life Of Your Tyres

When it comes to vehicle maintenance, the focus often lands on engine upkeep or paintwork preservation, but one area that is often overlooked is your tyres. Your tyres play an important role in your vehicle's safety and performance, so if you want to keep them in good condition and extend the life of your tyres, here are some handy tips.

Why Tyre Maintenance Is Vital

Before we delve into the tips, it's essential to understand why tyre maintenance is so necessary. Your tyres are the only surface of contact your vehicle has with the road. Keeping them in optimal condition ensures better grip, more precise steering, improved fuel efficiency and above all, your safety.

1. Regular Tyre Rotation

Tyre rotation involves interchanging the positions of the tyres—usually moving the front tyres to the rear and vice versa. This process ensures even tyre wear by allowing each tyre to serve in as many vehicle positions as possible. For most vehicles, a tyre rotation every 10,000 to 12,000 km is a good rule of thumb.

2. Proper Inflation

Maintaining the correct tyre pressure is paramount for their lifespan. Both over-inflation and under-inflation can lead to:

• Uneven tyre wear
• Poor handling
• Increased braking distance

Check your vehicle's manual for the manufacturer's recommended tyre pressure and try to check it every fortnight.

3. Balanced Tyres and Wheels

Properly balanced tyres can minimise vibrations, erratic tyre wear and strain on the drivetrain. Technicians use precision equipment to identify heavy spots on the tyre-wheel combination and compensate for it by attaching weights on the wheel. Aim to have your tyres balanced when you get new tyres and whenever you notice signs of balance problems.

4. Alignment Checks

Wheel alignment is the process of adjusting the angles of the wheels to meet the manufacturer's specifications. Misaligned wheels can lead to rapid and irregular tread wear, poor handling and decreased fuel economy. Ideally, get your wheels aligned when you install new tyres or when you notice your vehicle pulling to one side or the other.

5. Regular Inspections

Conducting regular tyre inspections can help identify issues before they escalate. Look out for:

• Sharp objects lodged in the tread
• Cracks or bulges on the sidewalls
• Uneven tread wear

6. Correct Tyre Selection

The type of tyres you choose for your vehicle has a direct impact on their lifespan. Ensure you choose tyres that are suitable for your driving habits and the conditions you typically drive in.

7. Avoid Rash Driving

Fast starts, aggressive turns and abrupt stops can significantly reduce the life of your tyres. Aim for smooth and gradual acceleration, braking and cornering wherever possible.

8. Avoid Overloading

Each tyre has a maximum load capacity indicated on its sidewall. Regularly exceeding this limit stresses the tyres, leading to overheating and rapid wear. Ensuring your vehicle's load stays within capacity is an effective way of preserving your tyres.

9. Drive on Good Roads

Where possible, avoid roads filled with potholes, sharp objects and debris. These conditions can lead to tyre damage and, in some cases, can cause irreparable damage requiring a complete tyre replacement.

10. Regular Professional Checks

Professional tyre checks can identify issues that may not be immediately visible to you. They can also provide expert advice tailored to your specific circumstances.

Want To Get Your Tyres Checked?

At A1 Supercheap Tyres, we're committed to ensuring your tyres are in top condition. Whether you're looking to have your tyres professionally inspected or need advice on any other aspect of tyre maintenance, our team are happy to help. Get in touch with us and book a tyre assessment today!