Regular Tyre Maintenance | How to Maximise Tyre Lifespan?
Ever found yourself stranded on the side of the road, cursing that unexpected flat? It’s a scenario we’d all rather avoid.
Regular tyre maintenance is the only thing that can save you from that. Ignoring it can lead to a bumpy ride and high repair costs. Or worse, a dangerous situation on the road costing yours and others’ safety.
Let’s get you prepared with the checklist for regular tyre maintenance. So, you can keep your car’s feet in tip-top condition.
At Morley Tyre Centre, we’ve been keeping drivers rolling safely for over a decade. We know tyres inside and out and provide expert maintenance & repair services. So, you can stay safe and maximise the life of your vehicle.
we’re here to share some simple tips to keep you rolling smoothly.
Regular Tyre Maintenance | Why is it Essential?
Your tyres are the only contact between your vehicle and the road. You should dedicate time to their proper care if you want safe and worry-free rides.
Well-maintained tyres improve your car’s handling, fuel efficiency, and most importantly, your safety. Think of it as giving your car a regular health check-up.
Neglecting them can lead to:
- Faster tyre wear: Uneven or accelerated wear can be caused by under-inflation, overloading, or poor wheel alignment.
- Risk of tyre failure: Issues like blowouts can result from lack of maintenance, leading to dangerous situations on the road.
- Increased fuel consumption: Worn-out tyres take more fuel than usual, costing you more expenses at the pump.
Regular tyre checks enhance the safety of your vehicle and prolong tyre lifespan.
Checklist for Regular Tyre Maintenance
Let’s get down to the nitty-gritty. Here’s what you should be checking regularly:
1. Tyre Pressure: The Key to a Smooth Ride
Check your tyre pressure regularly. It’s the easiest and most effective way to improve tyre performance and safety.
Tyres lose one PSI per month, or more under varying conditions. If not checked & maintained, underinflation can be caused and lead to uneven wear and overheating.
Overinflated tyres also reduce traction and make your ride uncomfortable.
How to Do It:
- Find your car’s recommended tyre pressure in your owner’s manual or on a sticker inside your driver’s side door.
- Use a reliable tyre pressure gauge to check your tyre pressure when the tyres are cold.
- Add or release air as needed to reach the recommended pressure.
- Invest in a fully integrated tyre pressure monitoring system. It makes the process much easier.
2. Tyre Rotation: Spreading the Wear
Rotating your tyres helps to even out wear and prolong their lifespan. Front tyres tend to wear faster than rear tyres. So, rotating them causes the wear to even out.
You should rotate your tyres after every 5000 to 8000km. Or quicker if you drive frequently or notice any signs of wear.
How to Do It:
- Follow your car manufacturer’s recommended rotation pattern.
- Rotate the tyre from front to rear, but stay on the same side. Don’t take left side tyre to the right side.
- Involve your spare tyre in the process.
- If you’re unsure, our experts at Morley Tyre Centre can handle this for you.
3. Tread Depth: Keeping You Gripped
The tread on your tyre provides traction while moving, especially in wet conditions.
The more a tyre rolls on the road and wears out, tread becomes shallower and non-functional. Causing the vehicle to skid & slip on the road.
How to Do It:
- Use a tread depth gauge to measure the tread depth.
- The legal minimum tread depth is 1.6mm.
- An easy way to check is the 20p test. Insert a 20p coin into the tread grooves. If you can see the outer band of the coin, your tread is likely below the legal limit.
- If your tread is worn, it’s time for new tyres.
4. Wheel Alignment: Staying on Track
Misaligned wheels can cause uneven tyre wear and should be checked regularly. It can also disturb the handling of your car and make it pull to one side.
You should get your wheels professionally aligned after every 10,000km or six months.
How to Do It:
- If you notice your car pulling to one side or uneven tyre wear, get your wheel alignment checked.
- Our team at Morley Tyre Centre uses advanced equipment for precise wheel alignment.
5. Proper Inflation: Getting it Right
Inflation check is important during tyre maintenance. It’s not just about having air in your tyres. It’s about having the right amount.
In harsh conditions, you should consider nitrogen air inflation for more efficiency.
How to Do It:
- Always refer to your vehicle’s manual for the correct pressure.
- Use an accurate gauge.
- Don’t forget to check your spare tyre too.
How Often Should You Perform Tyre Maintenance?
Check your tyre’s condition and pressure quickly after every two weeks. As they are the most crucial components of tyre health.
A more thorough inspection should be done every 5,000 to 8,000 miles. Or as recommended by your vehicle’s manufacturer. It should include all the things mentioned in the checklist above. From tread depth to wheel alignment.
Remember that rough driving or harsh weather demands a quicker maintenance. While proper care can add time between maintenance sessions.
Expert Tips to Enhance Tyre Life
Here are some extra tips to keep your tyres in top condition.
1. Get Tyres of Suitable Size
Use the right size tyres for your vehicle. Check the size guidelines from the sidewall of your already fitted tyres or user manual.
Using incorrect sizes can affect handling and safety.
2. Follow Tyre Loads and Speed Ratings
Adhere to the load and speed ratings specified by the tyre manufacturer. You can check them in the logbook or manual of your car.
Overloading or exceeding speed ratings can lead to tyre failure.
3. Adopt Safe Driving Habits
Smooth driving is most essential for reduced tyre wear and enhanced safety. Gentle acceleration, braking, and cornering reduce stress on tyres.
Also avoid sudden braking, long trips in heated weather, and sharp turns.
4. Keep Your Tyres Inflated
Correct inflation prevents premature wear and improves fuel efficiency. Regularly check your tyre pressure to check they’re neither under nor over-inflated.
Refer a professional if you can’t check by yourself.
5. Keep a Spare Always
You don’t know what the road has in store for you, especially in long trips. Keep a spare tyre always with you and avoid driving on a punctured tyre.
Your spare tyre should be properly inflated and ready for use.
6. Keep a Track of Tyre Age
Tyres degrade over time, even if they’re not used much. Check the manufacturing date and keep a track of their age.
Replace tyres older than six years, even if they are not damaged.
7. Arrange Necessary Repairs ASAP
Most dangerous accidents we see are the result of neglecting smaller problems. Regularly check your tyre condition and all the issues present.
Address any tyre damage you find promptly.
8. Choose an Experienced Repair Service
Arranging tyre care at home is great, but not always enough. Trust your tyres to professionals and arrange regular checks from an experienced mechanic.
They have the expertise and equipment to keep your tyres in top condition.
In a Nutshell
Keeping your tyres in good condition is essential for a safe and comfortable driving experience. Regular maintenance prevents premature wear, improves fuel efficiency, and reduces the risk of accidents.
Keep your tyres in optimal condition with safe driving habits. Regularly check for tyre pressure, tread depth, rotation, wheel alignment and proper inflation. It’s a small investment of time that pays off big in safety and peace of mind.
Is it time for your tyres to get a maintenance check?
Stay Road-Ready with Morley Tyre Centre
At Morley Tyre Centre, we provide quality tyre services to keep you safe on the road. With over 10 years of experience serving Morley and surrounding areas.
Our team of skilled technicians offers a full range of tyre maintenance & repairs. From tyre fitting to wheel alignment and balancing. We stock a wide range of tyres, including 4WD, SUV, EV, and passenger car tyres.
Whether you need a tyre service or want new tyres for your car, we’re here to help.
Explore Our Wheel Alignment & Balancing Services