Car Tyre Maintenance Tips: Protect Your Safety and Your Wallet
Key Highlights:
- Proper care begins with a simple biweekly visual check on the tyres.
- Tyre balancing and alignment are crucial if you wish to limit wear within the tyre surface and prevent it from spreading to the wheel assembly and suspension components.
- With the right care, you might even be able to extract more life from your tyres than advertised by the brand.
Why Tyre Maintenance Really Matters
Tyres naturally wear out over time, but proper care can slow down this process. In contrast, neglecting tyre care can lead to uneven wear, compromised handling, unexpected tyre failure and the need for frequent replacements. This results in spending more on new tyres as well as vehicle repairs.
How to Save Money on Tyre Maintenance and Replacement
Keeping your tyres in good condition helps your vehicle run safely and smoothly. It also allows you to make the most of your initial investment. It’s wise to keep these in mind.
Buy Quality Tyres
Premium tyres might be more expensive initially, but they tend to last longer and offer better performance. They usually provide improved fuel efficiency and are more resistant to damage. Choosing the right tyre based on your vehicle and driving habits proves to be a smart investment over time.
Check the Age
To find out the age of a new tyre, examine the DOT code on its sidewall. The last four digits of this code show the week and year it was manufactured. For example, if the code ends with "3723", the tyre was produced in the 37th week of the year 2023. It is important to ensure that the tyre is no more than six months old when you buy it. Older tyres may have reduced shelf life, even if unused and stored correctly.
Compare Prices before Buying
Explore both online and offline options before purchasing new tyres. Check for discounts, combo deals and seasonal promotions. Some dealers also provide free alignment or rotation services when you buy tyres from them.
Check Warranty and Services
Certain tyre brands offer benefits such as free tyre damage cover, extended warranties, or complimentary check-ups for a limited period. Make sure to take advantage of these offers to get the best value.
Stick to One Brand
Using the same brand and model for all four tyres ensures even wear and consistent performance. If you mix different types of tyres, it can cause uneven wear and may lead to handling issues.
Keep Records
Take note of when you last rotated, aligned or balanced your tyres. This helps you follow a proper maintenance schedule and reduce expenses.
What is Wheel Alignment?
Wheel alignment involves adjusting the angles of the wheels to ensure they face the correct direction. When the alignment is right, the car moves in a straight line without veering to either side.
Common signs of bad alignment:
- The vehicle pulls to one side
- A misaligned steering wheel when driving straight
- Uneven wear on tyres
- Vibrations while driving
Alignment is usually checked during routine service or when you hit a pothole, kerb or speed bump too hard. Getting it fixed early can prevent damage and extend tyre life.
What is Tyre Balancing?
Tyre balancing helps make sure the weight of the tyre and wheel is spread out evenly. If the tyres are not properly balanced, you might feel vibrations, particularly when driving at higher speeds. This can reduce driving comfort and cause the suspension parts and tyres to wear out more quickly. The process of tyre balancing involves adding small weights to the rim to correct any heavy spots.
Balancing should be done when:
- You get new tyres
- You feel vibrations in the steering wheel or the floor
- You have had a tyre repair or rotation
Proper balancing improves ride comfort, protects other vehicle parts and makes the tyres last longer.
Good Practices That Help Tyres Last Longer - Tire Maintenance Tips
1. Check tyre pressure regularly
Driving with incorrect tyre pressure leads to quicker wear. If the tyres are over-inflated, the centre of the tread wears out faster. On the other hand, under-inflated tyres tend to wear more along the edges. Low pressure also raises fuel consumption and increases the chances of a tyre bursting. It is important to check your tyre pressure at least once every two weeks and always before setting out on a long journey. Follow the pressure level recommended by the vehicle manufacturer, which is usually mentioned in the owner's manual.
2. Rotate tyres every 8,000 to 10,000km
The process involves interchanging tyre positions, such as moving the front tyres diagonally to the rear. This helps ensure that all tyres wear out evenly, since front tyres tend to wear faster (in FWD vehicles) because of steering and braking. By rotating them regularly, the overall lifespan of all four tyres is increased.
3. Get wheel alignment checked annually
Wheels that are not properly aligned can cause tyres to wear out faster and unevenly. It is wise to get the alignment checked once a year or earlier if you hit a pothole or observe any issues with the vehicle's handling.
4. Balance tyres during rotation or replacement
As mentioned earlier, balancing maintains a smooth driving experience. It also safeguards the suspension system and allows the tyres to wear out evenly.
5. Inspect tyres for cuts and cracks
Minor cracks, cuts, bulges or embedded nails in the tyre can cause unexpected failures. It is important to inspect your tyres regularly, particularly before going on long trips. Timely repairs can help prevent a tyre from getting completely damaged.
6. Avoid rough driving
Sudden braking, driving too fast over potholes, hitting kerbs and taking sharp turns can place extra strain on tyres. Adopting a smooth and gentle driving style helps reduce tyre wear and also enhances safety.
7. Drive within load limits
Carrying heavy loads increases the pressure on tyres, which can cause them to overheat and wear out more quickly. Always check the maximum load rating marked on your tyres and avoid loading your vehicle beyond this limit.
8. Store spare tyres properly
If you use seasonal tyres or keep spare ones for emergencies, make sure to store them in a cool and dry environment. Exposure to sunlight, heat or moisture can damage the rubber even when the tyre is not in use.
Bad Practices That Damage Tyres
1. Ignoring Low-Pressure Warnings
Many modern cars are equipped with a Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS). Ignoring warnings can cause tyre damage or even a blowout.
2. Delaying Puncture Repairs
Driving with a slow puncture can lead to the tyre becoming flat or overheated. This may harm the internal structure and could make the tyre unsafe to use, even if it is later repaired.
3. Skipping Routine Checks
Most people wait until they notice an issue before checking their tyres. By that time, the damage may already be serious. Taking a quick look each week can help spot problems early and prevent bigger issues.
4. Using Worn-out Tyres
Driving with tyres that have low tread depth is dangerous. They do not grip the road well, particularly in wet conditions, and have a higher chance of bursting. It is best to replace your tyres when the tread goes below 1.6 mm or as recommended by your mechanic.
5. Using the Wrong Tyre Type
Using tyres that are not suitable for your vehicle or local road conditions can reduce performance and cause them to wear out faster. It is important to always use the size and type recommended by the manufacturer. If you wish to upsize, stick within scientific limits.
The Bottom Line: Regular Tyre Maintenance Pays Off in the Long Run
Tyre maintenance might seem like a minor task, but it plays a major role in both your safety and long-term expenses. Spending just a few minutes each month to inspect your tyres can help you avoid costly replacements. It is important to know and follow the basics, such as wheel alignment and tyre balancing. Practising good driving habits and steering clear of broken terrains will significantly extend tyre life.
Simply put, saving money on tyre replacement is less about cutting corners and more about making smart choices. Regular maintenance, addressing problems early and driving responsibly can keep your tyres healthy for a long time. With the right care, you might even be lucky enough to extract more life than that claimed by the brand.
FAQs
1. How often should I check my tyre pressure?
Check it at least once in two weeks and before long trips.
2. What is the correct tyre pressure for my car?
You can find it in your car manual or on a sticker inside the driver’s door.
3. What happens if the tyre pressure is too low or too high?
Low pressure causes uneven wear and poor fuel economy. High pressure reduces grip and makes tyres wear out faster in the middle.
4. Should I replace all four tyres at once?
It is best to replace all at once, but if not possible, replace two at a time and fit them on the driving axle.
5. How long do tyres usually last?
With proper care, the car tyres can last 40,000 to 60,000km or around 5 years, whichever is earlier.