Your tyres are where your car meets the road, literally. Imagine your tyres as the shoes of your car—they take a lot of beating and need regular attention. Start by checking them visually. Look for signs of wear like uneven tread wear, cuts, bulges, or foreign objects stuck in the tread.
If you spot anything suspicious, it’s best to have it checked out by a professional.
Why is this important? Well, catching problems early can save you money and prevent accidents. Tyres with good tread depth, especially on wet or slippery roads, provide better traction. You can do tyre services checks yourself every couple of weeks or whenever you fuel up.
Maintaining Proper Tire Pressure
Think of tyre pressure like Goldilocks—too much or too little can cause problems. Every car has a recommended tyre pressure, usually found on a sticker inside the driver’s side door or in your owner’s manual. Check your tyre pressure with a gauge when the tyres are cold (before you drive anywhere).
Under-inflated tyres can reduce fuel efficiency and increase wear, not to mention they’re more prone to blowouts. Over-inflated tyres might give you a rougher ride and wear out faster in the center. Keep them just right to ensure your car handles well and you get the best mileage.
Rotation and Balancing: Keep Things Even
Just like you rotate your mattress for even wear, your tyres need the same treatment. Tyres wear differently depending on their position on your car. Front tyres typically wear faster because they handle the steering and most of the braking. To even things out, rotate your tyres regularly—about every 5,000 to 8,000 miles or as recommended by your car’s manufacturer.
Balancing is another key step. When tyres and wheels are installed, they’re balanced to ensure even weight distribution. Over time, this balance can shift due to normal wear and tear. If you notice vibrations or shaking at certain speeds, it might be time to get your tyres balanced.
Stay on the Straight and Narrow
Have you ever felt like your car wants to veer to one side, even when you’re driving straight? That could be a sign of poor wheel alignment. Alignment refers to the angle of your tyres in relation to the road and each other. Proper alignment ensures your car handles properly, reduces tyre wear, and improves fuel efficiency.
Get your alignment checked annually or if you notice steering problems or unusual tyre wear patterns. It’s a quick and relatively inexpensive service that can save you money in the long run by preventing premature tyre replacements.
Tire Replacement
Even with the best care, tyres eventually wear out. Its time to get the help of tire shop. Knowing when to replace them is crucial for your safety. The tread on your tyres is designed to give you traction on the road. Over time, as the tread wears down, your tyres lose their ability to grip the road, especially in wet or icy conditions.
Most tyres have tread wear indicator bars built into them. These bars are like little bridges between the tread grooves. When the tread wears down to the level of these bars, it’s time for new tyres. Additionally, look for signs like cracks in the sidewall, bulges, or punctures that can’t be repaired safely.
