How do I take care of my car tyres?
Taking care of your car tyres is essential for ensuring optimal performance, safety, and lifespan. So here are some tips to help you maintain and take care of your car tyres:
- Firstly, regular Inspections: Regularly inspect your tyres for any signs of damage, such as cuts, bulges, or uneven wear. Look for objects like nails or screws lodged in the tread. Check the tyre sidewalls for cracks or damage. If you notice any issues, have them examined by an Earley Tyres professional.
- Proper Inflation: Maintain proper tyre inflation by checking tyre pressure regularly. Remember, our staff will happily do this for you. Underinflated or overinflated tyres can affect handling, fuel efficiency, and tyre wear. Refer to the vehicle manufacturer’s recommended tyre pressure, and use a reliable tyre pressure gauge to check and adjust the pressure when the tyres are cold (not driven for several hours).
- Tread Depth: Monitor the tread depth of your tyres. Inadequate tread depth affects grip, especially on wet or slippery surfaces. The legal minimum tread depth is typically 1.6 millimeters, but for improved safety, consider replacing tyres when the tread depth reaches 3 millimeters.
- Rotate Tyres: Rotate your tyres regularly to promote even wear. Tyres on the front and rear axles wear differently. This is due to factors like weight distribution and steering action. Rotating the tyres helps ensure uniform wear and tear and extends their lifespan. Refer to your vehicle owner’s manual for recommended rotation intervals.
- Wheel Alignment: Get your wheel alignment checked periodically. Earley Tyres staff can conduct this check for you. Poor wheel alignment causes uneven tyre wear and affects handling and steering. If you notice uneven wear or the vehicle pulling to one side, ask one of our team to check the alignment. Naturally we are very happy to provide this service to customers.
- Avoid Overloading: Avoid exceeding the maximum load capacity of your tyres. Overloading puts excessive stress on the tyres which can , lead to increased wear and the risk of a blowout. Refer to your vehicle’s load capacity information. This can be found in the owner’s manual. Alternatively you might find it on a placard inside the driver’s door pillar.
- Gentle Driving: Use smooth and gentle driving habits. Avoid aggressive acceleration, sudden braking, and hard cornering which can cause unnecessary wear and tear on your tyres.
- Seasonal Considerations: For optimum driving, use appropriate tyres for each season. Winter tyres offer better traction in cold and snowy conditions, while summer tyres provide better performance in warmer weather. Meanwhile, all-season tyres are designed to provide a balance of performance in different weather conditions.
- Storage: If you need to store your vehicle for a long time, park it in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Inflate the tyres to the recommended pressure to prevent flat spots and deformities. Avoid parking on uneven surfaces or over sharp objects.
- Professional Tyre Inspections: Crucially, from time to time, have your tyres inspected and serviced by a qualified tyre professional. Earley Tyres staff will gladly provide this service to customers. They can assess the overall condition, alignment, balance, and other factors that contribute to tyre health and performance. We are always happy to provide this service to customers.
Basically, by following these tyre care tips, you can maximise the lifespan of your tyres, ensure optimal performance and improve safety on the road.