Tyre care is critical for your safety, the safety of your passengers, and even the safety of other road users. After all, your vehicle's tyres are the only thing that connect it to the road below. You can corner, brake, and accelerate more effectively with tyres that are in a good condition.
We'll look at some of the routine tests and maintenance that may help keep your tyres in good shape. When it comes to organising long-distance travel or if you conduct long-distance driving for business, tyre safety and their general condition may become more and more important.
Follow the wheel alignment and tyre balancing recommendations
A balanced and aligned tyre is a safe tyre. Once installed on the vehicle, your new tyres must be aligned and balanced. It's also a good idea to get them examined after long distance travel or if you've hit a couple of serious potholes.
Your tyres should achieve even wear if you maintain frequent wheel alignments and tyre balancing as directed in your owner's handbook. This considerably aids tyre longevity.
Maintain proper tyre pressures
Although it may appear straightforward, most people do not take the effort to check and maintain the recommended tyre pressures on a regular basis.
Instead, they wait for anything to happen, such as observing a tyre that appears to be deflated. This has the potential to be exceedingly hazardous. When a tyre appears deflated, it is most likely really deflated. When your tyres are underinflated, they might overheat, resulting in tyre failure.
Maintaining the correct inflation pressures not only ensures vehicle safety and performance, but it also contributes to tyre longevity.
Checking and adjusting tyre pressure is a straightforward task that you can perform on your own. Alternatively, the knowledgeable and friendly staff at your local Tyrepower store can help.
Keep an eye on the tread depth of your tyres.
Correct tyre pressures combined with effective tread depth result in a well-rounded and safe functioning tyre. In Australia, the permitted tread depth is 1.5mm. Anything less than this depth, and your tyres are not only risky, but also unlawful.
The majority of tyres on the market include tread depth bars or depth indicators. Once the tyre has worn evenly to the minimum tread depth, these signs will be reached. The bars are located on the deep longitudinal grooves that run parallel to the wheel.
Tread depth is significant for a variety of reasons, including:
- Ejecting water (which greatly assists to avoid aquaplaning)
- Gripping the road surface
- Allowing for effective cornering
- Aids in effective braking
You can also use a tyre tread depth gauge to determine the depth of your tyres. To acquire an exact measurement, measure the outer and inner sides of the tyre, as well as the centre of the tyre.
Your local tyre experts.
If you have any doubts about the safety of your tyres, visit your local Tyrepower store for expert advice and a free tyre safety check.
With over 270 outlets around Australia, it's never been easier to keep your tyres safe. If you're in the market for a new set of tyres, we sell and install a wide selection from major manufacturers such as Toyo, Kumho, and Falken. Your old or unsafe tyres will be disposed of in an environmentally friendly manner, and you can be confident that your car will be fitted with the appropriate tyre for you.
