4 tyre care tips to keep you safe on the road
Caring for your tyres is an investment that reaps many crucial benefits for a driver. Tyres that are in a pristine condition will not only save you plenty of money but it will also ensure your safety on the road.
Follow these tyre care tips to keep you safe on the road.
1. Check your tyres every month
When life gets busy it is easy to forget about doing little tasks such as checking your tyres. However, it is important to make a habit of checking your tyres every month so you can notice if any of them have been damaged on the road. By carrying out routine inspections, you will minimise your risk of having any sudden problems that could have been avoided.
To do a thorough inspection, walk around your car and check for visible damage on the tyres such as cracks, cuts, lumps and nails. The easiest way to remember to do this is to schedule it in at the same time every month. E.g. the first Saturday of every month.
2. Check the tyre tread depth
It is important to check your tyre tread depth as it helps remove water between the tyre and road, ensuring the car remains under control. The tyre tread depth wears out over time but this can be fast-tracked by poor road surfaces, the tyre design itself and erratic driving practices such as speeding and hard braking. The minimum tread depth varies from state to state so check your state government’s transport department. In Western Australia, the minimum tyre tread depth is 1.5mm.
3. Check the tyre pressure
Tyre pressure is critical as it protects against tyre damage and reduces the risk of your vehicle spinning out of control. Driving with low tyre pressure also increases your petrol consumption. It is important to check your tyre pressure every month and before you embark on a long road trip. If your tyres are hot when you check them, add 4 to 5 PSI to the recommended pressure. You can find the recommended tyre pressure for your car inside the manual, the label on the door or inside the fuel flap.
4. Maintain the spare
Make sure your spare wheel has the correct pressure, tread depth and there are no cracks. Also check that you have all the necessary tools in your car to change a tyre. If there is a space-saver spare, bear in mind that they are safety-rated to maximum speed of only 80km/h.
How do you take care of your tyres? Let us know in the comments below.
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