Caring for Your Tyres 101

by Kar Pro Tyres Auto Bridgestone Tyres

Whether you prefer to buy quality branded tyres such as Bridgestone tyres or Pirelli tyres or you try to economise by fitting tyres from a less well-known brand, the importance of correct tyre care cannot be underestimated.

By practising good care routine, your tyres are more likely to keep on performing until the day comes when you need to replace them.

Tyres wear out progressively over time, which means that it’s not always easy to see whether they are becoming dangerous. However, if you know what to look for, you’ll be able to spot any potential problems before they become an issue. So let’s take a look at checks that you should do regularly.

Pressure Checks

Maintaining the correct tyre pressure for your vehicle is essential to ensure the best performance from your tyres. All tyres lose air, and this can happen faster if you drive on uneven surfaces or for long distances. Air loss is also greater in warmer temperatures. Therefore, whether you have
Cooper Tyres on your car or some other brand, we advise that you get into the habit of checking your tyre pressure on a monthly basis.

Tread Inspection

Having the correct depth of tread on your tyres is extremely important from a safety aspect. Therefore, it’s essential that you check the tread regularly; we recommend monthly checks and checking before and after a long journey. If you spot evidence of uneven wear, damage or any other kind of visible change it may indicate that there is either a problem with the tyre itself or with your vehicle.

Check tread depth using a tyre depth gauge, look for foreign objects lodged in the tread, inspect tyres of excessive wear on the outside of the tyre and whether they are worn in the centre.

Tyre Rotation

To ensure even wear across your tyres, experts recommend rotating your tyres every 10,000 to 12,000 kilometres. Your front tyres generally wear out faster than rear tyres, so by rotating their positions, it helps them to wear more evenly.

Tyre Replacement

Unfortunately, despite regular inspection and maintenance, your tyres will wear out eventually and need replacing. If your tyres are showing excessive wear or obvious damage to the treads or sidewalls, then it’s time to bite the bullet and invest in a new set of tyres.

When buying new tyres, whether you’re choosing a popular brand such as Kumho tyres or tyres from another manufacturer, we recommend that you replace them all at the same time if possible. If not, opt to have your new tyres at the rear of your car as this will improve stability and traction.