Paying for new tyres can be expensive, especially if you’re confronted with an unexpected repair bill long before your tyre lifespan was due to expire. It’s not always possible to prevent incidents or wear and tear, but diligent tyre maintenance can pay dividends. In this article, we’ll outline some effective strategies to reduce the risk of tyre issues and costly repairs. 

Inspect your tyres regularly

Regular tyre inspections are a quick and easy way to spot potential warning signs. Take a minute to have a good look at your tyres before you go out in the car and seek advice if you notice signs of damage or wear.

Red flags to look out for include cracks, bulges, knots and loss of air. In most cases, if you spot these problems, you’ll be advised to replace the tyres. 

Check the pressure

Maintaining the right tyre pressure for your vehicle is essential for optimum performance and it can also help to prolong the lifespan of your tyres. Check the pressure at least once a month, taking care to get a reading when the tyres are cool. Make sure you’re aware of the recommended pressure level for the specific tyre, which will be recorded in the vehicle manual. Underinflation elevates the risk of accelerated wear, cracking and air loss while overinflation will increase vibration, which affects comfort. 

Seek advice if you detect problems

If you detect problems with your tyres, or you find yourself on the hard shoulder after puncturing or shredding a tyre, seek expert advice.

You may be able to carry out running repairs, but if you’re not experienced, it’s best to contact professional mobile tyre fitters. If you attempt the job yourself in a potentially hazardous location, or you lack the required expertise, you could put yourself and others at risk or cause further damage. 

Avoid overloading the vehicle

Overloading your vehicle increases stress on the wheels, putting the tyres under strain. If your vehicle is overloaded, fuel consumption increases and you may notice a difference in how the car handles. Check the vehicle manual for details. When changing your tyres, avoid fitting tyres that have a lower load capacity than the original tyres. 

Check the tread

Checking the tread is critical for safety reasons and to ensure that you stay on the right side of the law. The legal minimum tread limit is 1.6mm. If the tyre tread is level or below this figure, you will need to buy new tyres as soon as possible.

Driving with tyres that don’t meet the required limit will impact safety and handling and it’s also illegal. If your tyre tread depth is too low, your vehicle will also fail the MOT. Although the legal limit in the UK is 1.6mm, it’s advisable to drive with tyres with a tread depth of at least 3mm. 

Taking good care of your tyres can help to improve safety, reduce the risk of damage and wear and prevent expensive, unexpected repair bills. Follow these steps to save money, lower the risk of accidents and prolong the lifespan of your tyres.