The most essential thing in keeping the
tyres in good shape for a longer period is air. It is air that keeps tyres fit and safe and carries the weight of the vehicle and its load, not the rubber or the casing material. There are several other factors that can maximize the life of tyres. The best performance can be availed from the car tyres by following a few basic and simple tips.
Firstly, tyres should be regularly checked either at home or when visiting a garage or a filling station. Tyres have to be examined, mainly before a long drive, for obvious signs of under-inflation, wear, cuts in the tread or sidewalls. It is important to check for leakage at the valves and to replace missing valve caps. If stones and debris are found trapped in the tread grooves, they should be removed. Remember not to check tyre pressures during or immediately after a journey while the tyres are still warm. This will result in an incorrect pressure reading. It is very important to adjust air pressure at the recommended PSI.
Check the inflation pressure in the tyres periodically. Save fuel and prevent accidents with regular tread wear checks that can be a result of under or over inflation. Replace worn out tyres immediately. Rotate your tyres, i.e. swap the front tyres with the back tyres of your vehicle every 6000 miles of driving. This prevents the front tyres from taking more abuse and wearing out faster than the rear ones.
Ensure to get the steering alignment corrected if front tyres show signs of excessive or uneven wear. Make a note to examine the car brakes if tyres show signs of wear through wheel locking. Always have front wheels and tyres balanced if there are signs of vibration, wheel wobble or patchy tyre wear.
There are certain external factors that contribute to the wear and tear of the tyres. These cannot be avoided, but the damage on tyres can be delayed. Try to avoid harsh braking, fierce acceleration and fast cornering as much as possible. Take care not to drive on raised obstructions or against kerbed edgings. When it is absolutely necessary to drive over rough, uneven, unmade ground or over ground littered with debris, check the tyres soon afterwards to ensure that no foreign objects have become trapped in the tread patterns and examine the sidewalls for cuts or bulges.
This is important to have a better understanding of the markings on the car tyre as will help you choose the right tyre for your car. Selecting the right tyre for your car will ensure a smooth and safe ride. The condition of car tyres also depends on upkeep of your car. Avoid overloading your car as this will put excessive strain on the tyres.
If there is a flat tyre, inspect it carefully for any external or internal damage to see whether it needs repair or replacement. Learn how to fix a flat tyre. This helps you at times when you are in trouble and help is far. And always keep a spare tyre handy!!