Tyres are critical to the safety and performance of every vehicle, so ensuring they are always in good condition is an essential part of car maintenance. Not only is it illegal to drive with non-roadworthy tyres, but it is also incredibly dangerous. Fortunately, there are a few simple things you can include as part of your regular car maintenance plan to ensure you can continue drive confidently and safely. Read on to find out more.
Maintain Correct Air Pressure
This is probably the single most important thing drivers can do to ensure their tyres are safe. Tyre pressure should be checked regularly (at least monthly) to make sure tyres are neither under- nor overinflated.
Underinflation is very common, and it can cause a whole host of issues, including uneven and premature treadwear, excessive heat which can reduce tyre life, and it also reduces your fuel economy by increasing rolling resistance. Tyres can lose up to 1 PSI every month, even without include any sort of leak. If you have noticed a drastic decrease in air pressure, visit your local tyre centre as soon as possible for professional advice.
Overinflation is also detrimental to tyres, leading to uneven treadwear which can significantly reduce the tyre lifespan and increase the risk of dangerous blow-outs.
While it is relatively simple to manually check your tyres at a local service station, the addition of a tyre pressure monitoring system (TPMS) is the ideal way to ensure your tyres are always properly inflated. This device continually monitors air pressure and alerts the driver to any significant changes.
Alignment and Balancing
Properly balanced tyres play a huge role in tyre longevity, but also to driver safety and performance of the car.
A wheel alignment is the process of properly aligning the wheels and axles. Proper alignment is when all suspension and steering components are sound and when tyre and wheel assemblies are running straight and true. This is necessary for even treadwear, precise steering, optimal handling, and fuel efficiency.
Unbalanced tyres cause road vibration, premature tyre wear and unnecessary wear to the suspension. Tyres should be balanced when they are mounted first time or when they are remounted after a repair. Tyres should be balanced at least once a year, or at the first sign of a vibration.
Tyre Rotation
The weight of a vehicle is not evenly distributed to all four tyres. Therefore, regular rotation is necessary to maintain even treadwear and to ensure maximum tyre longevity. There are several types of rotation, including cross rotation, straight rotation, and 5-tyre rotation to name a few. Car manufacturers differ in their recommendations, but it is generally recommended that tyres be rotated every 8,000 to 10,000 kms.
Inspecting Tyre Tread
Tyre tread helps to remove water between the tyre and road, ensuring a strong grip so the car remains under control, even in wet conditions. Tyres wear out over time, and this can be accelerated by many factors including uneven road surfaces, poor driving practices, and inferior tyre quality. It is important to check your tread depth regularly; not only can driving on bald tyres lead to hefty fines, but it will also considerably reduce the safety and performance of your car. The minimum tread depth allowed varies very slightly from state to state but is usually between 1.5mm and 1.6mm.
You can check your tread with a specific depth gauge or use the tread wear indicators. When inspecting your tyres you should also look for any uneven wear, damage to the sidewall such as bubbles, bulges, tears, and cuts. If your tread depth is below the minimum, you should replace your tyres immediately. If you are concerned about wear and tear, seek professional advice from a tyre expert.
Tyres are one of the most important elements of a car and depending on your vehicle, they can be a significant expense. With proper and regular maintenance, you will ensure you get the most out of your tyres so that your performance, handling, and safety is never compromised.
Keep Your Tyres in Top Shape with a TPMS from Safe T Tyre
At Safe T Tyre, we are one of Australia’s leading suppliers of high-quality tyre pressure monitoring systems. To learn more about our products or to purchase yours today, reach out to us online or give our friendly team a call on 1800 876 700.