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7 Things You Need To Know About Your Tyres

May 30, 2023 | Car

As a driver, especially a driver in South Africa, you’ll know just how critical it is to know the importance of maintaining your car’s tyres. After all, good tyres ensure your vehicle’s safety, performance, and fuel efficiency.

To help you understand your tyres better and look after them so that you’re safer on the road (and for money-saving purposes), here are 7 facts that every driver should know about their tyres.

Tyre Pressure Affects How Much You Spend On Fuel

When your tyres are properly inflated, your car handles better, and it puts less pressure on the engine, which can result in better mileage. Conversely, too little air in your tyres can result in increased rolling resistance and increase fuel consumption by up to 0.5 litres per 100kms.

If you’re looking to save money (in the long run), you might want to consider checking your tyre pressure and getting your tyres inflated to the correct setting.

Tyre Treads Can Wear Down

Tyre treads provide grip on the road and are vital for safe acceleration, braking, and cornering. Worn treads can make your tyres smooth and slippery, decreasing your vehicle’s performance and safety. To maintain your vehicle’s handling and fuel efficiency, experts recommend replacing your tyres before the tread depth falls below 1.6mm. Regularly checking your tyre treads is also essential to ensure they remain in good condition and to avoid increasing your stopping distance and decreasing your vehicle’s stability and control.

Tyres have a Shelf Life

Tyres aged six years or older, even with sufficient tread, can deteriorate internally, resulting in unexpected blowouts. This happens when the rubber compounds break down over time due to environmental factors like UV light, temperature changes, and moisture. These factors can make the rubber brittle and prone to cracking, weakening the tyre’s structure and increasing the risk of failure. Always check the age of your tyres as it is not always obvious by looking at their tread. Replace them after six years, regardless of usage. Inspect your tyres regularly for signs of wear and damage, such as cracks or bulges, which can compromise tyre performance and safety. These simple precautions can help ensure your tyres are in top condition and reduce the risk of blowouts on the road.

The Best Time To Check Tyre Pressure

To ensure that you get accurate readings, it’s best to measure the air pressure of your tyres when they are cold or have only travelled a short distance. This is because if your tyres have heated up too much, the measured values could be incorrect. Therefore, it’s a good idea to get this done first thing in the morning. Additionally, it’s important to check your tyre pressure regularly. As a general rule, it’s recommended that you check your tyre pressure every fourth time you stop at a petrol station, or at least once a month. This will help you maintain optimal tyre pressure, which can improve fuel efficiency and extend the life of your tyres.

Tyre Type Affects Performance

When it comes to purchasing tyres, it is important to understand that not all tyres are created equal. While some tyres may be designed for specific purposes such as off-roading or racing, others may simply be of lesser or superior quality. Therefore, it is crucial that you do your homework and research the various types of tyres available in order to identify which tyres are best suited to your specific vehicle, driving habits, and budget. Once you have identified the most appropriate tyres for your needs, it is important to properly maintain them to ensure both safety and longevity. This can include regular tyre rotations, proper inflation, and periodic inspections to check for any signs of wear and tear. By taking these steps, you can prolong the life of your tyres and ensure that your vehicle performs at its best on the road.

Don’t Forget Your Spare Wheel

When it comes to a long road trip, there are multiple things that need to be taken into account. While most of the attention is given to the primary tyres, the spare wheel is often overlooked. However, it is important to keep in mind that the spare tyre can be a lifesaver in an emergency. Therefore, it is crucial to ensure that the spare tyre is in optimal condition before heading out on a road trip. One of the most important things to check is the air pressure in the spare tyre. Over time, the spare tyre’s air pressure can drop, which can render it useless when it is needed most. Therefore, it is important to check the air pressure in the spare tyre and make sure that it is up to the recommended level. This way, you can ensure that you are prepared for any unexpected emergencies that may arise during your road trip.

Tyre Rotation Helps Maximise Tyre Life

Tyre rotation is an important maintenance service that you can perform on your vehicle. It involves moving the tyres from one wheel position to another, so that they wear evenly. This helps to maximise the life of your tyres and improve your vehicle’s handling. By having your tyres rotated regularly, you can ensure that they wear evenly and that your vehicle remains stable on the road. In addition, it can also help prevent uneven wear and tear, which can lead to costly repairs down the line. So, make sure to have your tyres rotated on a regular basis to keep them in good condition and ensure your safety on the road.

Feel informed?

We hope these facts will help you make informed decisions around the care of your tyres, but don’t forget that AA Inform is home to a range of useful tools and resources.

Not only can you use our website to calculate your fuel consumption for specific trips but you can also check out the AA Insurance Supermarket to shop around and compare up to 7 car insurance quotes from reputable insurance providers. This way, you can make absolutely sure that you’re securing the best deal you can on your car insurance.

Click here if you want to visit the AA Insurance Supermarket and shop around for affordable car insurance.

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