We rely on our car tyres to get us to our destination safely and efficiently every day. So why is it that we rarely stop to think about them when it comes to vehicle maintenance?
As a driver, it is our responsibility to make sure our tyres are always in top condition. It’s important to not wait until your regular service or WOF to find out there are issues with them. Completing the right tyre maintenance will improve your safety and comfort on the road and increase the lifespan of your tyres.
To make sure your tyres are roadworthy, here are a few simple checks you can do yourself. We recommend doing them monthly.
Tyre pressure
Having the correct tyre pressure is important for car handling, maximum grip, increased tyre life, and fuel economy. Without the correct pressure in each tyre, you run the risk of not being in total control of your vehicle. This is especially dangerous if you’re driving at high speeds.
You can check your tyre pressure at all major petrol stations. The recommended pressure varies for each vehicle. To find out the optimal tyre pressure for your vehicle, check your handbook or look it up online. You should also make sure your vehicle is cold when checking the tyre pressures to make sure they haven’t expanded during driving. Don’t forget to check your spare tyre pressure as well.
Here’s how to refill your tyres to the correct pressure:
- Unscrew the valve cap from the tyre.
- Set the air compressor to the recommended pressure.
- Attach the hose of the air compressor to the valve, making sure to put pressure on the hose so air can’t escape.
- Press on the lever to fill the tyre and hold it down until you hear it beep.
- Screw the valve cap back onto the tyre.
Tyre tread depth
Tread depth refers to the measurement between the top of the tread rubber (the part of the tyre that makes contact with the road) and the bottom of the tyre’s deep grooves. The legal limit of tyre tread depth is 1.5mm and 4.0mm for snow or winter tyres. If it falls below this depth, you are required to have the tyre replaced.
Most car tyres have tread-wear indicators built into them. These bars of hard rubber are normally difficult to see in a new tyre but appear across treads that have been worn down to 1.5mm of the tyre tread base. If these indicators appear in two or three different places, less than 120 degrees apart on the circumference of the tyre, then it’s time to have them replaced.
Like brake pads, your tyres will eventually wear out and need replacing. Budgeting for scheduled tyre replacement will keep surprises to a minimum.
Tyre rotation
Having your tyres rotated every 5,000 to 8,000km will even out their wear and extend their life. If you notice signs of uneven wear, they may need to be rotated earlier. If you see uneven wear, get your tyres and steering checked by your local tyre specialist, as this could indicate a wheel alignment or balance problem. If uneven wear persists after this, get your car checked by your mechanic.
Tyre age
As time goes by, the bond between the rubber and steel belts of your tyres is reduced. This can cause cracking in the tyre’s structure, which can be a serious risk. Because of this, tyres over ten years of age should be replaced, even if they don’t look worn. You can check the age of your tyre by looking at the tyre markings and locating the Serial Tyre Identification Number (TIN). You can tell the age of the tyre by looking at the last four digits of the TIN. For example, 1911 indicates a tyre made in the 19th week of 2011.
Wheel alignment
Misaligned wheels can impair the braking and handling of your car. They will also cause your tyres to wear excessively and irregularly. Take your vehicle in for a wheel alignment after every 10,000km, or every six months.
Wear and tear
To keep your tyres in good condition, you should get into the habit of inspecting them regularly. If you notice anything unusual, get it looked at by a professional. When you’re checking them over, be sure to look at the surface of the tyre and use your hand to feel for anything that might be stuck in the rubber. You should also inspect them for cuts, bulges, and signs of cracking.