Replacing tyres can be a pretty daunting and expensive task even for the more experienced or well-funded driver. The best way to avoid spending too much on tyres too often is to properly maintain your existing tyres.
Many drivers are guilty of ignorance when it comes to tyre maintenance, something which is unacceptable in 2019. Follow our top tips for taking care of your tyres to maximise the lifetime expectancy of your tyres.
1. Regular checks
A cost-efficient way of taking care of your tyres is to check them on a consistent basis. Obviously, this will not act as a means of damage prevention but more as a process of damage limitation. Spotting an issue with a tyre early on will not only help in terms of vehicle performance but will also save you money! It’s better to replace one tyre earlier on rather than an entire set at a later date!
2. Avoid unnecessary tyre spinning
Quite often when a vehicle is stuck, the driver will attempt to resolve the situation by excessively spinning the tyres, hoping that the motion will release the vehicle. This can cause irreversible damage to the tyre which could have easily been avoided.
3. Adhere to manufacturer guidelines
Guidelines are provided for a reason. They provide information relevant to the vehicle and give the customer a safe and reliable checklist on the do’s and don’t’s of car ownership. Although these guidelines can be pushed slightly and do have a small amount of wiggle room, they are worth following religiously.
4. Cleaning and removing debris
Although tyres are resilient enough to withstand general wear and tear, they currently lack the ability to prevent bits of debris and mud clogging up the treads on them. While completing regular checks it is advisable to remove any of theses items which may be trapped, allowing the tyre to function at full efficiency for a lot longer.
5. Avoid overloading your vehicle
Overloading a vehicle can cause a multitude of performance-related issues but will also add unnecessary stress to the tyres. This stress can cause poor handling and even increase the likelihood of an accident happening. Always consult the manufacturer guidelines when loading a vehicle.
6. Suspension and alignment
Imbalanced wheel alignment or damaged suspension parts on a vehicle can cause tyre issues in the long term. The faulty suspension and incorrect wheel alignment causes vibrations, which over time wears down the tyres. This is an issue that can easily be prevented or resolved at a local garage for minimum cost.
7. Correct tyre repair
In instances where you have your tyres repaired or replaced, always strive to use a professional business to avoid any potential issues that may arise by completing the task personally. This may be a way to save some money in the short term but it could end up costing you thousands!
These are only a few ways in which drivers can efficiently take care of their tyres. If you think we should add any other tips to the list, feel free to get in touch with the Walsall Wood Tyre & Service team!