Are Your Tyres in Good Nick for Summer?

Let’s look at the most common mistakes that shorten your tyres’ lifespan and how to avoid them without constant trips to the garage.

Choosing the right tyre is important, but looking after it properly is even more so. Although they often go unnoticed, tyres are your car’s only points of contact with the road. Much of your vehicle’s handling, safety, and even fuel economy depend on their condition. These are the most common mistakes we make with our tyres… and how to avoid them.

When Did You Last Check Your Tyre Pressure?

It’s one of the most common mistakes: driving with the wrong tyre pressure. If it’s too low, the tyre wears more, especially on the sidewalls, and the risk of a blowout increases considerably. Furthermore, fuel consumption goes up and the tyre’s lifespan decreases. If, on the other hand, the pressure is higher than recommended, the tyre’s contact with the road is reduced, which impairs grip and accelerates wear in the central area of the tread.

The solution is simple: check the pressure (with cold tyres) at least once a month and always before a long journey. The correct value is specified in your car’s owner’s manual and is often even listed on the fuel cap or door frame.

Watch Out for Wear… Even on the Inside

The minimum legal tread depth is 1.6 mm, but ideally, you shouldn’t let them get that far. Wear indicators tell you if the tyre has reached its limit, although you can also use the famous “20p trick”: if you can see the outer band when you insert a 20 pence coin into the groove, it’s time to change it.

But beyond that, it’s vital to check that the wear is even. A wheel that looks perfect on the outside may be severely damaged on the inside. And if the wear is uneven or excessive, it could be due to problems with the wheel alignment, balancing, or even the shock absorbers. The tyres, in this case, act as a telltale sign of hidden faults.

Alignment, Tracking, and Balance: The Great Forgotten

A well-aligned and balanced car is not only more comfortable and safe to drive but also reduces tyre wear. If you notice the steering wheel vibrating, the car pulling to one side, or the tyres “eating” in odd areas, it’s a good idea to visit a garage. Ideally, you should check the alignment and balance once a year, when changing or rotating tyres, or if you drive more than 15,000 km.

Visible Damage and Ageing

Going over kerbs, hitting potholes, or simply the passage of time can affect a tyre’s structure. Regularly checking for cuts, bulges, or cracks is essential. And even if they still have tread, if they are more than five years old, at least an annual inspection by a specialist is recommended. After 10 years, they must be replaced, even if they appear in good condition.

You can find out the exact age of your tyre by looking at the DOT code on the sidewall: the last four numbers indicate the week and year of manufacture.

Don’t Forget the Spare Tyre

The great forgotten! Whether it’s a spare tyre or a puncture repair kit, make sure it’s in good condition and ready to go if needed. A simple oversight can ruin your journey.