Check Those Tyres

Choose your tyres carefully. Too many drivers buy a tyre based on initial price or appearance. Tyre selection should be based on the correct size recommended for the vehicle and its loading recommendations.  You should consult with a knowledgeable tyre or automobile dealer about selecting the proper tyre for your typical driving patterns.

Buy a tyre gauge and keep it handy in your car at all times.  It will inform you if you need to add more air to your tyres. You can find them at any automotive retailer or supply store.

Check your tyre pressure at least once per month, and especially before a long trip.  Remember under-inflation is a tyre’s number one enemy, because it can cause damage that may lead to tyre failure. However, over-inflation can cause uneven wear plus handling and stopping problems. Use the manufacturer’s recommended air pressure listed on the sticker of your vehicle’s door jamb or owner’s manual as a guide.  Always check the pressure of your tyres when they are cool or cold. Driving heats up tyres and make the reading incorrect.

During wet weather, slow down. As your speed decreases, the tyre footprint (the amount of the tyre's tread contacting the road surface) increases, providing better traction. You also reduce the risk of hydroplaning should you run into deeper water puddled on the road.

Rotate your tyres every 10,000 kilometres. If your tyres show uneven wear, ask your automotive service professional to check for and correct any misalignment, imbalance or other mechanical problem involved before rotation.

Check your vehicle alignment periodically.  It’s especially important to have an automotive professional check your alignment if you notice your vehicle is pulling to one side when you’re driving.

Inspect and measure your tyre tread.  You can do this yourself by placing a match in the tread groove and if you can see the coloured part of the match head itself, then it is time to replace your tyres.

Check the tyre sidewalls to make sure there are no gouges, cuts, bulges or other irregularities.

Make sure you do not overload your vehicle because it can create excessive heat inside your tyres.  An overloaded vehicle puts stress on tyres that can cause damage and lead to tyre failure. Check the manufacturer’s loading recommendation, which can be found on the vehicle information placard on the door post or in the vehicle owners’ manual.

Have your tyre balance checked periodically. An unbalanced tyre and wheel assembly may result in irregular wear.