When it comes to taking care of your tyres, there are a few simple steps you should take that can help ensure they stay in great condition. However, there are also some things you might do unknowingly that could completely sabotage your tyre care efforts. To make sure you don’t fall into this trap, we’ve gathered fifteen ways you may be sabotaging your own tyre care and what to do instead.
- Not Aligning Your Tyres: Regularly aligning your vehicle’s tyres is essential for ensuring they last longer and perform better on the road. When tyres become misaligned, they will wear faster and unevenly which can lead to poor handling and decreased fuel efficiency. Make sure to have your Continental Tyres Redditch aligned at least once a year.
- Not Rotating Your Tyres: Regularly rotating your tyres is another important step in keeping them in good condition. This helps to even out the wear and tear of each tyre, preventing any one from becoming overused or worn down more quickly than the rest. Try to rotate your tyres every 6,000-8,000 miles (9,656-12,875 km).
- Overloading Your Vehicle: When you overload your vehicle with too much weight on its axles, it puts extra stress on all four Bridgestone tyres Redditch which can cause accelerated wear and tear. Consult with your vehicle’s manufacturer for the maximum load capacity that should not be exceeded.
- Driving on Damaged Tyres: If you have any visible damage to your tyres, don’t risk driving with them. Even minor damage can lead to bigger problems down the road and significantly decrease their lifespan. Replace or repair any damaged tyres as soon as possible.
- Using the Wrong Tyre Pressure: The wrong tyre pressure can cause a range of issues for your vehicle such as increased fuel consumption, decreased stability and accelerated wear on the sides of the tyres.
- Not Inspecting Your Tyres Regularly: The only way to know if something is wrong with your tyres is to inspect them regularly. Check the tread depth, any visible signs of damage and other wear indicators such as cupping or bulging every month.
- Not Replacing Your Tyres on Time: All tyres should be replaced when they reach their recommended age or mileage limit in order to ensure they’re still performing optimally. Most manufacturers recommend replacing tyres when they are six years old or have driven more than 80,000 km (50,000 miles).
- Ignoring Road Hazards: Make sure not to drive over sharp objects like nails and glass which can cause instant flat tires or bigger problems like punctures. When possible, try to avoid driving over potholes or other road hazards as these can cause tyre misalignment or even cracks.
- Not Storing Your Tyres Properly: If you need to store your tyres for any length of time, make sure they are kept in a cool, dry place and away from direct sunlight. This helps to prevent the rubber from cracking or becoming brittle over time.
- Not Cleaning Your Tyres Regularly: This is especially important if you live in an area with high levels of dust– regular cleaning helps remove dirt and grime that could wear down the rubber on your tyres prematurely.
- Neglecting Wheel Balancing: Wheel balancing helps ensure that each wheel spins evenly, therefore reducing vibrations and increasing handling performance. Make sure to have your wheels balanced every time you rotate your Continental Tyres Redditch or when you purchase new ones.
- Not Checking Torque Settings: The torque settings on your wheels are what keep them in place, so it’s essential to check them regularly. You can do this yourself with a torque wrench or have a professional mechanic inspect them for you.
- Ignoring Alignment Issues: If one of your tyres is constantly wearing down more than the others, it could be an alignment issue that needs to be addressed immediately. Have a professional mechanic perform a full inspection as soon as possible and make any necessary adjustments if needed.
- Overlooking Uneven Tyre Wear: Uneven Tyres Redditch wear is usually caused by incorrect tyre pressures or misaligned wheels. Check your tyre pressure regularly and inspect for any signs of misalignment to make sure all four tyres are wearing evenly. If the problem persists, take your vehicle in for a professional inspection as soon as possible.
- Not Taking Professional Advice: Tyres are an integral part of keeping your vehicle safe on the road, so it’s important to get regular advice from a professional mechanic when dealing with them. They can help you identify potential problems and provide solutions that will extend the life of your tyres and prolong their performance.
By following these 15 tips, you can ensure that your tyres are in top condition and keep yourself safe on the road. Remember to check them regularly, inspect for signs of wear and take professional advice when needed. Keeping up with your tyre maintenance will help save you money in the long run!