Proper tyre maintenance is essential not only for the longevity of your tyres but also for ensuring your safety on the road. Your vehicle’s tyres are the only point of contact between your car and the road, so taking care of them can prevent accidents, improve fuel efficiency, and enhance driving comfort. Here are some essential tyre maintenance tips every driver should know.

1. Check Tyre Pressure Regularly

One of the simplest yet most important tyre maintenance tasks is checking the tyre pressure. Under-inflated tyres can lead to poor fuel economy, increased wear, and reduced handling performance. Over-inflated tyres, on the other hand, can result in a harsh ride and uneven wear.
How to check:

Use a reliable tyre pressure gauge, and check the pressure when the tyres are cold (before you drive or after a short trip).
Refer to your vehicle’s manual for the recommended tyre pressure or check the driver’s side door jamb for a placard with the correct PSI.

Tip: Tyre pressure can drop in cold weather, so it’s especially important to check it during winter months.

2. Rotate Your Tyres

Tyre rotation helps ensure even wear across all four tyres, prolonging their lifespan and improving performance. Front and rear tyres wear differently due to weight distribution and steering functions, so regular rotation can help balance this out.
How often to rotate:

Every 5,000 to 8,000 miles (or roughly every 6 months), or follow the manufacturer’s recommendation.

Tip: If you get an oil change every 5,000 miles, that’s a good time to have your tyres rotated as well.

3. Inspect Tyre Tread Depth

Tyre tread is crucial for maintaining traction, especially in wet or slippery conditions. Worn-out tyres with shallow tread can significantly reduce your vehicle’s grip on the road, increasing the risk of hydroplaning and accidents.
How to check tread depth:

Use a tread depth gauge or the simple “penny test.” Insert a penny into the tread groove with Lincoln’s head facing down. If you can see the top of Lincoln’s head, it’s time to replace the tyres.
The legal minimum tread depth in most countries is around 1.6mm, but many experts recommend replacing tyres when the tread is below 3mm for optimal safety.

4. Balance and Align Tyres

Wheel alignment and tyre balancing are often overlooked but are key factors in tyre health. Misaligned wheels or imbalanced tyres can cause uneven wear, vibrations, and even steering issues.
Signs your tyres need balancing or alignment:

Uneven or rapid tyre wear.
The vehicle pulls to one side.
Steering wheel vibrations at certain speeds.

Tip: If you hit a curb or pothole, it’s a good idea to have your alignment checked to avoid long-term tyre damage.
5. Inspect for Damage and Wear

Performing regular visual inspections of your tyres can help you catch early signs of damage. Look for cuts, punctures, cracks, or bulges on the tyre sidewalls. These can compromise tyre integrity and lead to dangerous blowouts.
How often to inspect:

Ideally, inspect your tyres before every long trip and at least once a month during regular use.

Tip: Don’t forget to check the spare tyre for damage as well. It should be in good condition and properly inflated in case of emergencies.
6. Avoid Overloading Your Vehicle

Overloading your car can put extra strain on your tyres, causing them to overheat, which can lead to blowouts. Each tyre has a specific load rating, which indicates the maximum weight it can safely carry. Exceeding this limit can severely affect the tyres’ performance and lifespan.
How to avoid:

Know your vehicle’s load capacity, which can usually be found in the owner’s manual or on the tyre placard.
When loading your vehicle for trips, distribute weight evenly to reduce strain on your tyres.

7. Replace Tyres When Necessary

Even with proper maintenance, tyres will eventually wear out and need replacing. Driving on old or worn tyres can increase your risk of accidents due to reduced traction, longer braking distances, and a greater chance of blowouts.
When to replace:

If the tread is below the legal limit (1.6mm in most countries) or if there is visible damage like cracks, bulges, or severe wear.
If your tyres are more than 6-10 years old, even if they still have tread left, as rubber deteriorates over time.

Tip: Always replace tyres in pairs (both front or both rear) to maintain balanced handling.
Conclusion

Maintaining your tyres is one of the most important aspects of car care. By keeping your tyres properly inflated, rotated, balanced, and aligned, you can ensure a smoother, safer driving experience while also extending the life of your tyres. Regular inspections and timely replacements will help you avoid costly repairs and keep you safe on the road.