Whether you’ve just bought a new car or a new set of tyres, one of the initial things you should consider is how to extend the life of your current one. The amount of wear and tear on your tyres is entirely dependent on how you care for them and drive. Using cautious driving habits and taking the time to care for it regularly has been shown to extend the life of your tyres.
Check your tyre pressure regularly
One of the best ways to make your tyres last longer is to check the pressure regularly and inflate them as needed. Your tyres can lose up to half a PSI of pressure in a month, so checking them monthly is a good idea. Make it a habit to check the pressure on the same day of each month or even when you fill your tank. The proper tyre pressure for your vehicle can be found in the owner’s manual.
Rotate your tyres
Tyres will wear differently depending on the position they are in. The front tyres, for example, take most of the weight and force when braking and turning. Over time, this will cause them to wear down faster than the back tyres. Rotating your tyres is a simple way to help them all wear evenly and, consequently, extend their lifespan. Most manufacturers recommend that you rotate your tyres every 10,000 to 15,000 km. When you take your car in for a service, ask the mechanic to check the tyre tread and give them a tyre rotation if needed.
Balance your tyres
Along with the wear rate of your tyres, they may also get slightly off balance without you noticing. This is more common with front tyres as they tend to bear more weight. When your tyres get unbalanced, it can cause a vibration in the steering wheel or seat, making your drive less comfortable. It can also put extra strain on certain parts of your car, which may lead to problems down the line. Balancing your tyres is a quick, easy process for tyre experts to perform when paired with rotation.
Align your tyres
It can be knocked out of alignment by hitting a pothole, brushing up against a kerb or colliding with a parking lot barrier. This will cause your car to veer to one side of the road, making driving difficult and dangerous. It will also suffer from premature wear and tear, so get them aligned as soon as possible. Simply, if your steering wheel is off-centre when driving straight or your tyres are scuffed on the inside or outside edge, it is time for a wheel alignment service.
Driving habits
If you have a habit of stomping on the brakes or accelerating quickly, doing so in excess can lead to increased tyre wear. Smooth driving habits reduce tyre wear and increase fuel efficiency, which saves you money in the long run. Additionally, if you live in an area with a lot of potholes or gravel roads, your tyres will suffer. The best way to combat this is to drive slowly over these obstacles and avoid them whenever possible. If you can’t avoid them, make sure you regularly inspect your tyres for any damage and assess them when necessary.
Ultimate Auto Care is a family-owned and operated business in Brisbane, with auto repair shops located throughout the metro area. We have been providing honest and dependable auto repair and services to our local communities for years. Contact us today to schedule a logbook service or repair and let us help you keep your car running smoothly.
