Why There's Much at Stake if You Don't Look After Your Car's Tyres
If you've had to buy a new set of tyres recently, you know that they represent a fairly significant investment. You will also be aware that they have a limited usable life and will have to be replaced at some point in the future. You will want to get a good return on your investment and make sure that these car tyres represent value for money and as such, you have to commit to an important maintenance regime. You may not have considered this before, but what will you need to look out for on a regular basis?
Why Checking Is Important
As the tyres are the only part of your vehicle that physically comes into contact with the road, they are more than just a commodity that costs money. While you want them to last for a long time, you also want to make sure that they don't fall prone to any road debris that they could pick up, like glass, nails and so on. The good news is that a modern-day tyre is well-built and quite resistant to punctures, but check periodically to see that no debris is embedded. While you are there, have a look at the inner wall of your tyres as well.
Weekly Once-over
A tyre that is under or overinflated is not only dangerous, but it will wear down a lot more quickly than it should. Once per week check the pressure on each tyre using a good pressure gauge that you can pick up at your local petrol station. Always check these pressures when cold and refer to the proper settings that you will find either in the driver's manual or on a plate that is mounted next to the driver's door. An overinflated tyre could burst at high speed, while an underinflated tyre could overheat and delaminate.
Inspect Every Six Months
Twice per year, take your vehicle into your local tyre dealer for a full inspection. They will be able to find any cracks or irregular wear patterns that could indicate that the tyres are out of balance or poorly inflated. You need to do this whether or not you use your car on a very regular basis. If the vehicle sits around for long periods, these tyres can still degrade, due to the heat and humidity in the Australian environment.
Your tyre dealer will also realign your wheels so that they are back in balance. If necessary, they will rotate the tyres so that you get more even wear out of your set.
If you follow these tips, you should get maximum usage out of your tyre investment and ensure a smoother and safer ride for you and your family.