Check tyres to the right air pressure

The main function of a tyre is to carry the load of the car. Therefore, it is vital that correct air pressure is maintained. Over-inflation will cause rapid and irregular wear. Under-inflation will damage the tyre structure leading to possible accidents. Improper air pressure will not allow the tyre to function within its design. Drivers should follow the recommended air pressure from the vehicle manufacturer as listed on a sticker located on the vehicle's door jamb, glove box door or in the owner's manual.

A correctly inflated tyre An under-inflated tyre An over-inflated tyre

Ensure tyre tread depth

Most new tyres have about 8-9mm of tread pattern when manufactured but when the tread wears down to less than 1.6mm, the tyre may be unsafe to use in wet conditions and should be replaced as soon as possible. Tyres have indicators in their tread pattern which show as lines across the tread when reduced to 1.6mm.

Inspect tires monthly

Knowing what to look for is only useful if you actually take the time to look. Get in the habit of frequently inspecting tires for proper inflation, damage or wear. If something doesn't look right, take your car to a tire dealer for closer inspection.

Replace tires properly

If you only replace two tires at a time, mount them on the rear axle. Otherwise, your car could lose rear traction in the rain and spin out.

Avoid "mixing" tyres

It is advisable to avoid mixing different brand tyres on the same axle due to varying construction styles. It can also be dangerous to mix tyres of different sizes or aspect ratios. You should consult a qualified tyre technician for advice.

Avoid hard braking and sudden acceleration

Tyres may wear quickly if consistently subjected to hard braking or rapid acceleration. Proper alignment is important

Have your car's suspension re-aligned when you buy new tires, if you notice uneven wear or if it has been a while since your last alignment. A suspension that is not aligned properly can wear out new tires after only a few thousand miles and adversely affect gas mileage.

Wear reduces a tyre's drainage capacity. When the wear has reached the indicators, it is time to replace a tyre.

Tyre Safety Tips

Check The Balancing

If you experience excessive vibration transmitted from the tyres to the steering wheel, get a qualified technician to check the balancing as this can result in an uncomfortable ride and cause excessive
mechanical stress on the suspension and steering systems.

Changing Tyre Sizes If you wish to change to a different rim or tyre size, it is best to consult your tyre technician as any change can affect your speedometer readings. Reduce Speed During Rain When driving on wet roads, reduce your speed, as driving too fast can cause tyre to aquaplane (The tyre tread loses contact with the surface of the road due to a film of water). Avoid “Tyre Mixing” It is advisable to avoid mixing different tyre types due to varying construction. It is also dangerous to mix tyres of different sizes and aspect ratios. Rotate Your Tyres Regularly rotating your car’s tyre will help you achieve more uniform wear and longer overall tread life. Follow your vehicle owner’s manual recommendation or as a general guidelines, rotate your tyres every 10,000km. Maintain Correct Air Pressure An under-inflated tyre builds up excessive heat and results in unnecessary tyre stress and irregularwear. An over-inflated tyre wears excessively in the centre of the tread. Under-inflation and over-inflation can result in premature tyre failure Ensure Sufficient Tread Depth When tyre’s tread wears down to less than 1.6mm, it should be replaced as soon as possible. Tyres have tread-wear indicators which appear across the grooves of the tread pattern when the 1.6mm limit is reached. Do Not Overload Tyres are designed to carry a specific maximum load. Do not exceed this maximum load as it can lead to premature tyre failure. The maximum load capacity can be found on the tyre sidewall. Inspect Your Tyres Periodically inspect your tyres for cuts, chips, embedded objects for unusual bulges, as a preventive measure to safeguard against sudden and unexpected tyre failure. Check The alignment Hitting a pothole or kerb can affect your car’s alignment and result in uneven tyre wear. Have a qualified technician check the wheel alignment periodically to ensure that your is properly aligned. Check Tyre Inflation Pressure Tyre Inflation pressures should be checked regularly when the tyres are cold. After checking, ensure that the valve caps are replaced as they provide secondary air seal to keep dirt and moisture out of the valve cores.Most cars today carry a space-saver tyre as a spare. This tyre should be used only to get to the nearest tyre outlet and should not be used over longer distances or speeds exceeding 80km/h.

Find The Correct Tyre Size For Your Vehicle

Your tyre size can be found on the sidewall of your existing tyres.  See below for more information on what this refers to:

Width 215

Aspect Ratio 60

Rim Diameter  16

                

215 / 60R16 (possible for Passenger, 4WD & RV and Light Commercial)
Width = 215 mm, Aspect Ratio = 60%, Rim Diameter = 16 inches
The ‘R’ denotes a tyre with Radial construction.

P275 / 35 ZR20 (possible for Passenger and 4WD & RV)
Width = 275 mm, Aspect Ratio = 35%, Rim Diameter = 20 inches
The ‘P’ denotes a Passenger tyre.
The ‘ZR’ denotes a tyre of Radial construction rated for speeds over 240kph.

185R14 (possible for 4WD & RV and Light Commercial)
Width = 185mm, Rim Diameter = 14 inches
The ‘R’ denotes a tyre with Radial construction.

7.00-16 (possible for 4WD & RV and Light Commercial)
Width = 7.0 inches, Rim Diameter = 15 inches
Aspect Ratio is not specified.

7.00R16 (possible for 4WD & RV and Light Commercial)
Width = 7.0 inches, Rim Diameter = 15 inches
Aspect Ratio is not specified.
The ‘R’ denotes a tyre with Radial construction.

31X10.5R15 (possible for 4WD & RV)
Width = 10.5 inches, Rim Diameter = 15 inches
The 31 refers to the Outer Diameter expressed in inches.