Expert Advice on How to Make Car’s Tyres Last Longer

Today, we’ll be exploring practical ways to make car’s tyres last, focusing on key areas like wheel alignment, pressure checks, and choosing the right tyres for your driving conditions. Proper tyre care is crucial for maintaining vehicle safety and performance, as well as saving money in the long run. Whether you’re a regular driver or a car enthusiast, these tips will help make your car’s tyres last longer. We will also highlight several key locations to assist you when looking for tyres in Strood, tyres in Salisbury, or tyres in Portsmouth.

Tip 1: Regular Wheel Alignment Checks Can Help Make Car’s Tyres Last

One of the most important factors to help make car’s tyres last longer is regular wheel alignment checks. This involves adjusting the suspension and steering components to ensure that all four wheels are aligned with each other and perpendicular to the ground. Proper wheel alignment helps distribute weight evenly across all four tyres, reducing wear and tear on specific areas.

It’s recommended to have your wheel alignment checked at least once a year or every 10,000-12,000 miles. However, if you notice any signs of uneven tyre wear or your vehicle pulling to one side while driving, it’s essential to get your alignment checked immediately. Other signs of misalignment include uneven tread wear, or a vibrating steering wheel.

Regular wheel alignment checks, particularly after hitting potholes or pavements, can prevent these issues. All of our branches, including Salisbury, Portsmouth, Strood, Fareham and Brighton provide professional wheel alignment services to keep your tyres performing at their best.

Tip 2: Check Pressure Regularly to Make Car’s Tyres Last

Incorrect tyre pressure can reduce tyre life and increase fuel consumption. Under-inflated tyres create more friction, causing them to wear faster, while over-inflated tyres can result in reduced grip and a harsher ride. Experts recommend checking tyre pressure at least once a month and before long journeys. Your vehicle’s manufacturer will specify the correct tyre pressure, which is often found in the owner’s manual or on a sticker inside the driver’s door frame.

Tip 3: Rotate Your Tyres

Tyres wear at different rates depending on their position on the car. Front tyres typically wear out faster due to steering and braking forces. To ensure even wear, it’s vital that you rotate your tyres regularly, ideally every 5,000 to 7,500 miles. Tyre rotation involves changing the position of each tyre on the vehicle. For example, the front tyres may be moved to the rear and vice versa. This simple practice can prevent premature wear and help make car’s tyres last even longer.

Tip 4: Inspect Tread Depth and Tyre Condition

Tread depth is vital for maintaining grip on wet and slippery roads. Remember, the UK legal minimum tread depth is 1.6mm, but experts recommend replacing tyres once the tread reaches 3mm to maintain safe and optimal performance.

Regular visual inspections can help you spot signs of damage, such as cracks, bulges, or embedded objects. If you’re unsure about the condition of your tyres, visit a trusted tyre garage for a professional inspection. In addition to tyre replacements, Elite Garages can also help with tyre puncture repairs if the damage is repairable. Done right, and it can help make car’s tyres last that much longer.

When Can a Tyre Puncture Not Be Repaired?

At Elite Garages, we prioritise repairing punctured tyres when possible. However, not all punctures are fixable due to safety standards and the puncture’s location.

Does Tyre Puncture Location Really Matter?

The key factor is where the puncture occurs. According to British standards (BSAU159), tyre repairs are only permitted within the central three-quarters of the tyre tread, known as the minor repair area. Punctures near or on the sidewall cannot be safely repaired due to the increased stress on that area.

If you’re unsure whether a puncture can be repaired, visit Elite Garages for a free tyre check. If a repair isn’t possible, we have a large stock of tyres to suit any budget.

Why Are Sidewall Repairs Unsafe?

The sidewall bears most of the load and flexes as the tyre moves. Using an air drill near this area can weaken the structure, making repairs unreliable. Any patch applied to the sidewall could detach under pressure, increasing the risk of tyre failure.

Driving on a flat tyre also damages the sidewall. Without proper air pressure, the tyre’s shape deforms, pinching the sidewall between the wheel rim and road, often beyond repair. To improve the chances of a successful tyre repair, stop your car as soon as possible after a puncture.

Tip 5: Invest in the Right Tyres for Your Driving Needs

To help make car’s tyres last longer and ensure performance, choosing the right tyres play a significant role. Factors like climate, road conditions, and driving habits should influence your decision. For example, winter tyres offer better grip in cold and icy conditions, while summer tyres excel in dry, warm weather.

At Elite Garages, we stock a wide range of tyres suitable for different needs and across various locations, including tyres in Portsmouth, tyres in Salisbury and tyres in Strood. Our experts can help you choose tyres that maximise safety and longevity based on your driving environment. If you’re looking for the best tyres in the UK, we recommend reading our comprehensive tyre buying guide.

Tip 6: Schedule Regular Servicing to Help Make Car’s Tyres Last

Regular vehicle maintenance can also make car’s tyres last. Services like wheel balancing, wheel alignment, and pressure checks ensure your tyres wear evenly and perform at the best of their ability. Booking regular tyre care appointments at a trusted tyre garage helps you stay on top of potential issues before they get worse.

Elite Garages offers comprehensive tyre care services at multiple branches across the UK, including our tyre fitment centres in Brighton, Bournemouth, Canterbury, Caterham, Deal, Denmead, Eastbourne, Fareham, Horsham, Mannings Heath, Maidstone, Newport (IoW), Portsmouth, Pulborough, Southampton, Salisbury and Strood. Our technicians are trained to provide expert advice and services tailored to your vehicle’s needs.

Tip 7: Adopt Smart Driving Habits to Make Car’s Tyres Last

Your driving habits play a massive role in tyre longevity. Aggressive driving, such as hard braking, rapid acceleration, and cornering at high speeds, can cause uneven and premature tyre wear. Smooth, gradual movements not only improve safety but also help make your tyres last longer.

It’s also good to avoid frequent contact with potholes, kerbs, and uneven road surfaces, as these can damage the tyre tread and sidewall, leading to costly repairs or replacements. Driving at the recommended speed and avoiding sudden manoeuvres will reduce the risk of damage and prolong your tyres’ lifespan.

Common Myths About Tyre Maintenance

Myth 1: Tyre pressure doesn’t change unless there’s a puncture

In reality, tyre pressure can fluctuate due to temperature changes. Cold weather can reduce tyre pressure, while warmer temperatures may increase it. Regular checks are essential when trying to make car’s tyres last longer.

Myth 2: New tyres don’t need wheel alignment

Even new tyres require proper wheel alignment to prevent uneven wear. Installing new tyres without getting wheel alignment can lead to premature tread wear and compromised handling.

Myth 3: Tread depth is the only indicator of tyre condition

While tread depth is crucial, other factors like tyre age, cracks, and bulges also affect tyre safety. Regular inspections are necessary to catch these issues early.

Myth 4: Tyres don’t need to be checked if the car is driven infrequently

Even if you don’t drive all that often, your tyres can deteriorate. Exposure to changing weather, moisture, and UV rays can cause the rubber to crack and weaken over time. Additionally, long periods of inactivity can lead to flat spots, reducing performance and safety. Regular inspections at a trusted tyre garage help catch these issues early and make car’s tyres last.

Myth 5: Tyre rotation is unnecessary for modern cars

Many believe that with advanced vehicle technology, tyre rotation is outdated. However, tyre rotation remains crucial to even out wear patterns, especially since front tyres typically wear faster due to steering and braking forces. Rotating them every 6,000 to 8,000 miles can make car’s tyres last while ensuring more consistent performance.

Summary: Advice to Make Car’s Tyres Last Longer

Maintaining your car’s tyres involves regular checks, proper wheel alignment, and investing in the right tyres for your driving needs. By following our guide to make car’s tyres last, you can save money, stay safe on the road and promote sustainable driving.

Before you go, let’s reflect on some of the tyre care tips:

• Check tyre pressure regularly and top up when needed
• Regularly inspect tyres for signs of damage or wear
• Repair punctures within the minor repair area if possible, avoid sidewall repairs
• Choose tyres suited to your driving needs and environment
• Schedule regular servicing for wheel alignment and other essential maintenance
• Don’t fall for common myths about tyre maintenance and care

At Elite Garages, we offer a range of services to help make car’s tyres last longer, including tyre checks, tyre replacements, wheel alignment, and more. So, keep these tips in mind and enjoy safer and more efficient driving with well-maintained tyres. Safe driving!

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