Tyre care tips from the experts at tyre fitting

As experts in tyre repair and recovery, we’ve put together some essential tyre care tips that can help you and your car in the long-run:

1. Regular Tyre Pressure Checks

Under-inflated tyres can significantly reduce fuel efficiency, increase tyre wear, and even lead to blowouts. Over-inflated tyres can also compromise handling and increase the risk of tyre failure.

How to check:

Use a reliable tyre pressure gauge. Check your tyre pressures when the tyres are cold (before driving more than a mile). The correct tyre pressure is usually found in your vehicle’s owner’s manual or on a sticker inside the driver’s side door jamb.

2. Tread depth inspection

Worn-out tyres with insufficient tread depth offer reduced grip, especially in wet conditions, increasing the risk of aquaplaning.

How to check:

1. Insert a 20p coin: Insert the coin into the main tread grooves of your tyre.  
2. Check the outer band: If you can see the outer band of the coin (the raised rim around the edge), your tyre tread depth is below the legal limit of 1.6mm. This means your tyres are likely unsafe and need to be replaced.  
3. If the band is covered: If the outer band of the coin is completely covered by the tyre tread, your tread depth is above the legal limit and your tyres are likely safe for the time being.

3. Regular Tyre Rotations

Tyre rotations help ensure even wear across all four tyres, extending their lifespan and improving handling. Refer to your vehicle’s owner’s manual for the recommended rotation schedule.

4. Wheel Balancing

Unbalanced wheels can cause vibrations, uneven tyre wear, and premature tyre damage.

Vibrations in the steering wheel, shaking of the vehicle, or unusual tyre wear patterns.

5. Look for cuts, punctures, and bulges

Even small cuts or punctures can compromise tyre integrity and lead to air leaks or blowouts. Bulges indicate internal tyre damage.

Regularly inspect your tyres for any signs of damage.

6. Avoid potholes

Potholes can cause significant damage to your tyres, including punctures, bulges, and rim damage.

When possible, avoid driving over potholes. If you must, slow down significantly before hitting the pothole.

7. Choose the right tyres

Selecting the right tyres for your vehicle and driving conditions is crucial for safety and performance. Consider the tyre type (summer, winter, all-season), speed rating, load index, and tyre size.

If unsure, we’re a phone-call away. Contact us today for a free quote or to schedule a mobile tyre fitting appointment.