How to extend vehicle tyre life

The four tyres on your vehicle are critical safety items as they are the only connection between your car and the road.

It goes without saying that it is vitally important that the tyres on your vehicle are always in a good condition!

 

Tyres however can be expensive to replace, especially on bigger vehicles and SUVs. Looking after your tyres and driving in the correct manner could save you money in the long run.

 

These 5 tips will help you get the most out of your tyres:

 

1. Check tyre pressures regularly

Ensuring that your tyres are correctly inflated is critical to safe driving and tyre life.

Tyres should preferably be checked when cold and inflated to the manufacturers specifications for the load you are carrying at least once a month.

A sticker inside the door jam or fuel flap will indicate the correct pressures.

 

2. Check your cars wheel alignment

Driving on rough or bad roads can have a negative effect on your cars wheel alignment. Incorrect wheel alignment settings could cause uneven tyre wear and rapid wearing of tyres.

 

Depending on the average mileage wheel balancing and wheel alignment should be checked by professionals every 6 to 12 months. This can be done at any reputable tyre fitment workshop that will ensure that it remains within the manufacturers specifications by using specialised measuring equipment.

 

3. Rotate tyres periodically

The tyres on the driven axle of your vehicle will wear quicker than others. Tyres should be rotated front to back every 10 000km to ensure the longest life possible.

 

4. Drive smoothly

Harsh braking, acceleration and cornering will shorten the life of tyres significantly.

A smoother, more restrained, driving style will go a long way in extending the life of your vehicle’s tyres.

 

5. Fit the correct tyres

When it comes time to replace your vehicle’s tyres, ensure that you fit tyres that are the correct size, that they are approved by your vehicle manufacturer and that they are a reputable brand, sold by a reputable dealer.

 

Read “How to change a flat tyre”.