Getting the most out of your tyres
Tyres can be an expensive purchase, so why wouldn’t we look after them? Uneven tyre wear is one of the most common reasons for early tyre replacement but it can be prevented with just a few simple checks.
What to look out for
The 3 most common forms of tyre wear are:
- Centre wear
- Shoulder wear
- Sidewall wear
Centre Wear
Centre wear is caused by over inflated tyres. Not only does this cause uneven wear of your tyres but it will also affect your steering and other components as the weight of the car is generally supported by only the center of the tyre.
Shoulder wear
Shoulder wear occurs when your tyres are under inflated. Maintaining optimum tyre pressures will ensure the right amount of contact pressure on the road. Under inflated tyres increases the load pressures to the outside walls of your tyres.
Side wear
Although not as common these days, side or outer sidewall tyre wear is caused by incorrect alignment including caster and toe angles of your wheels. These days, side wear is more often than not caused by enthusiastic cornering and aggressive driving habits.
You can check your vehicle’s placard for the correct tyre pressures, given you are still running the stock tyres and wheels the automaker supplied. Tyre pressure can also be found on the sidewall of your tyres.
Other causes of tyre wear
There could be many reasons as to why you might be experiencing uneven tyre wear. While steering and suspension components can be the most common, other causes include damaged bushings and tie rod ends, even your vehicle's control arms play a part in wearing out your tyres.
Suspension and steering has been engineered to specific angles as they load and unload during cornering. This uneven transferring of weight translates to your tyres and applying pressure unevenly across the contact patch.
Wheel alignments can also be affected by bent suspension components, such as can happen in even a mild-seeming collision.
Simple checks to save you money
Simply checking your tyres visually for any types of wear or damage will alert you of a need to rotate your tyres or amend any steering or suspension damage. Your auto specialist during a routine service can pick up on any issues causing uneven tyre wear.
Your car may be displaying signs of wear including vibrations or free-play in your steering wheel, this is a sure sign of your vehicle under performing and is in need of specialist.
With over 300 store locations around Australia, there is sure to be a Tyrepower near you. Most store locations are equipped with full servicing capabilities. Locate a store near you using our store locator.
