Every car owner understands the importance of maintaining their vehicle for safety and comfort. Unfortunately, car tyres are often neglected in this regard. Proper tyre care is crucial for ensuring the vehicle's safety, and knowing when to change them is essential.
Why Change Car Tyres Regularly?
- Tread Wear: Tyres have tread that provides grip on wet roads. Regular wear and tear can compromise tread, affecting the tyre's ability to stop, accelerate, and turn, posing a safety hazard.
- Safety: Worn-out tyres compromise safety. Regular servicing helps identify when tyre replacement is necessary.
- Accidents: After an accident, even with minor damage, consider changing the tyres as a precautionary measure.
- Driving Conditions: Harsh road conditions, such as bumpy or potholed roads, wet or icy conditions, can accelerate tyre wear. Regular checks are crucial.
- Driving Habits: Factors like driving speed, road conditions, emergency braking, and quick starts influence tyre wear. Regular servicing and maintenance are vital.
- Improper Usage: Using incompatible wheel and rim sizes, re-inflating heavily deflated tyres, mixing tyre types, or using summer tyres in winter can lead to damage and require more frequent replacements.
When to Change Car Tyres:
- Time Frame: Tyres typically need replacement every 5 to 6 years for safety, regardless of tread wear.
- Tread Wear: If tread is visibly worn out, it's time for new tyres. Regular checks during oil changes and servicing help identify signs of worn-out tread.
- After Accidents: Even minor accidents can damage tyres. Consider replacement after any collision.
- Driving Conditions: Check and change tyres more frequently if driving in harsh conditions like snow, ice, or on damaged roads.
- Driving Habits: Fast driving, rough roads, emergency braking, and delayed servicing contribute to faster tyre wear.
- Improper Usage Signs:
- Incompatible Sizes: Ensure wheel and rim sizes are compatible.
- Punctures: Don't reinflate heavily punctured tyres.
- Tyre Types: Use suitable tyres for specific seasons.
- Hole Size: Replace tyres with holes larger than 6 mm in diameter.
- Sidewall Damage: Replace tyres with damaged or deformed sidewalls.
Regularly inspect your car for signs of tyre damage, including punctures, damaged areas, uneven or shallow tread, damaged valve caps, and stability issues while driving. If you notice any signs of instability, swerving, or a rough ride, seek immediate service to diagnose potential tyre issues.
Understanding your vehicle and staying vigilant for signs of tyre damage ensures your safety on the road. Experienced mechanics can assess your tyres' condition, recommend replacements, and suggest the best wheels and tyres for optimal safety and comfort.