When it comes to the performance and safety of your vehicle, one of the most important components is your tyres. But, because your tyres are your vehicle's point of contact with the road, if not properly looked after, they’re not going to last.
In this short blog post, we give you 4 pro tips on how to help extend the life of your car or van tyres. These tyre tips will also help to improve your and other road users' safety and enhance your overall driving experience.
Regular tyre maintenance is essential if you want your tyres to last and to keep you and your passengers safe. The two most effective and important tyre maintenance jobs to help your tyres last are:
Checking tyre pressure – Make sure to check your tyre pressure at least once a month, bearing in mind that underinflated tyres, apart from impacting fuel efficiency and safety, will wear faster than correctly inflated tyres.
Keep your wheels aligned – Ensuring the wheels of your vehicle are correctly aligned and balanced will help prevent uneven and excessive wear, whilst also reducing vibration and keeping you and other road users safe.
Selecting the right tyres for your car or van is another essential factor in prolonging their life. Think of factors such as the type of vehicle you drive, the weather conditions in your area, and the journeys you’re likely to take.
Also, whilst budget tyres might get you through a financially tight spot, in general, they won’t last as long as a mid-range or premium brand tyre, which as well as lasting longer, will provide better performance in all weather conditions.
Tyre rotation is another tyre maintenance practice that can help your tyres wear more evenly and last a bit longer. Typically, front tyres will tend to wear faster than rear tyres due to factors like steering, and braking.
Some experts recommend rotating your tyres every 6000 to 8000 miles, or as specified in your vehicle's owner manual. However, if you’re unsure, we’d always recommend getting advice from a local tyre specialist.
The way you drive can have a significant impact on your tyres’ lifespan, so, it’s best to avoid behaviours such as rapid acceleration, overly hard braking, and taking sharp turns at too high a speed.
Also, try to keep your speed down when it’s safe to do so, as high speeds generate a lot of heat and over extended periods will have a negative impact on how long your tyres last, and when they’ll need replacing. Remember, by adopting a more responsible driving style, you not only save money on tyre replacements, but you also save on fuel and contribute to road safety for you, your passengers, and other road users.
Extending the life of your car or van tyres isn’t only cost-effective, and good for fuel efficiency, it’s also crucial for your, your passengers, and other road users' safety, and for the overall performance of your vehicle. By following the 4 tips above, you really will help your tyres last that bit longer, but, if you’re in any doubt at all about your vehicle's tyres, always speak to a tyre expert, who’ll be happy to offer their expertise.
If you’re looking for tyre fitting in Leighton Buzzard, contact Jackson & Phillips, a leading tyre shop in the area, that provides professional tyre fitting, and offers a wide range of good quality affordable tyres, and premium brand tyres.