However, we know that tyres are essential for a smooth running vehicle.
We also know that many drivers pay little attention to the condition of their tyres until they become flat or bald.
There is a lot of opportunity to maximise the lifespan of your tyres with a bit of TLC.
Here are our top tyre tips.
How long is a the lifespan of a tyre?
The short answer to this question is that there is no answer. Factors like weather conditions, road surfacing, vehicle structure and driving style all play a part in how long your tyres last.
While there is little that you can do as a driver to avoid most of these influences, driving sensibly is a good way to preserve your tyres a bit longer. Hard braking, high-speed cornering and quick acceleration will all reduce the life of your tyre.
How do I know if a tyre is worn out?
There are a few things to look out for in a wearing tyre. Cuts, leaks or other tearing damage are obvious signs that your tyre needs to be changed.
Tread depth is also crucial to monitor, since tread is vital for vehicle handling on wet roads. Legally, the entire face of the tyre that comes into contact with the road must have a depth of at least 1.5mm. Of course, this is difficult to measure manually!
Good news – modern tyres are built with multiple wear indicator bars which are moulded across the tyre at regular intervals. As the tyres near a tread depth of 1.5mm, the wear indicator will be level with the tread itself.
Can a tyre be too old?
Car tyres aren’t immortal. As the years roll on, the rubber that makes up the tread can be deteriorated by sunlight, heat and age. Although you may have never used your spare tyre, it may need replacement if it has been sitting in your car for years.
Can I mix and match tyres?
When buying new tyres, some drivers look at price before brand. Whatever is on special is what ends up on the car!
Be careful with this practise – you must have the exact same tyre on each side of your front and rear axle to keep the car balanced. Even if two tyres appear identical in size and tread, they will inevitably differ if made by different manufacturers. The end result is compromised, unpredictable handling which can cause major safety issues.
Tyre maintenance
There are three key aspects to tyre maintenance: tyre pressure, balance and alignment, and tyre rotation.
Tyre Pressure
We have elaborated previously on the importance of tyre pressure to fuel efficiency and handling on the road. On a more fundamental level, correct tyre pressure is vital for the maintenance of tyres themselves.
Over-inflated tyres are likely to cause uneven wear and a rough ride – you will feel every bump! Over-inflated tyres are also more prone to punctures or leaks, since they are already being pushed to their limit.
In addition to uneven and accelerated wear, under-inflated tyres are the main cause of tyre blow outs, since their less inflated state causes heat storage and excessive flexing.
When inflating your tyres, be sure that you are aiming for the correct amount of pressure. The pressure value shown on the tyre sidewall represents the maximums pressure your tyre can hold – not the ideal amount. The correct tyre pressure for your car can usually be found in the glove box, on a doorjamb sticker or on the door of the fuel-filler. If in doubt, ask a mechanic!
Wheel Alignment and Balance
Your tyres are ultimately the lifeblood of your car. It follows, then, that any problems in the alignment, balance or suspension will influence tyre longevity. An unbalance or misaligned vehicle will result in uneven wear – not to mention a bumpy drive. If you suspect any issues with alignment, balance or suspension, always consult a professional!
Tyre Rotation
The front and read tyres on your car are doing different jobs – it makes sense that they will wear unevenly. For this reason, it is important to rotate your tyres at each service interval to get the most out of all of your tyres.
