Did you know that poorly maintained tyres can significantly reduce your car's braking performance and make it difficult to handle on the road?

Poorly maintained tyres simply will not last as long as they could if they were well looked after. Regular check-ups by qualified professionals are essential to maintain the lifespan of your tyres and keep you safe on the road but as a vehicle owner you can play a part too. In this article, we will discuss the various aspects of tyre maintenance that every car owner should know about to take good care of their tyres.

Under-inflated tyres can cause excessive wear on the tread, making it wear out faster, which could potentially lead to a dangerous blowout. Underinflation also generates a lot of heat, which can reduce tyre life, while reducing your fuel efficiency through increased rolling resistance. The softer the tyre the harder the vehicle has to work.

When a tyre has too much air pressure, it's called over-inflation. This is bad for the tyre because it causes the middle of the tread to carry most of the car's weight. This makes the tyre wear out faster and unevenly, which means it won't last as long. So, it's important to make sure your tyres have the right amount of air pressure to avoid this problem.

To keep your car running safely and smoothly, it's important to have your tyres balanced and your vehicle properly aligned. This means ensuring that all the parts of your car's suspension and steering are working correctly and that your tyre and wheel assemblies are running straight and true.

If your tyres are unbalanced, you might feel a lot of vibration while driving, which can be tiring for the driver. It can also cause your tyres to wear out too quickly, or lead to unnecessary wear and tear on other parts of your car's suspension. To prevent this, it's a good idea to have your tyres balanced when they are first fitted to your wheels, and then rebalanced regularly.

When your vehicle is properly aligned, it means that your tyres are wearing evenly and your steering is accurate. If you notice that your tyres are wearing unevenly or that your car isn't handling as well as it used to, it might be a sign that your alignment needs to be checked.

Overall, the cost of having your tyres balanced and your vehicle aligned is well worth it. You'll get better mileage from your tyres, and your car will perform better and be more comfortable to drive.

Different types of tyres require different rotation methods. For most all-season tyres and cars, the back tyres move to the front and switch sides, while the front tyres move to the back but stay on the same side - this is called the "modified X" pattern. Directional tyres are rotated straight forward and back without changing sides.

If you have a four-wheel-drive car, it's recommended that you switch all four tyres, both from side-to-side and front-to-back. Check your owner's manual for specific recommendations and make sure to check your tyre pressure after every rotation.

Tyre rotation is a necessary maintenance procedure that can extend the lifespan of your tyres and ensure even wear. 

When you're checking your tyres for air pressure, take a good look at them to see if there are any visible signs of damage. You may find punctures or other issues that mean it's time for a replacement. Small punctures may not immediately flatten the tyre, but they can cause cracking and pitting that will worsen over time.

Make sure to also check the wear patterns on your tyre treads. If the shoulders are excessively worn, it could mean your tyres are underinflated, while wear in the centre of the tread may mean over-inflation. Some tyres have tread wear indicator bars that let you know when it's time for a replacement. Once the rubber bar is visible across the width of the tread, it's time to replace the tyre. Keep these tips in mind to stay safe on the road.

Some tyres can be repaired depending on the severity of the puncture damage but if any holes or cuts are large or there is damage to the sidewalls the tyre will need to be replaced. At Chris's Mechanical in Hawker we offer professional tyre repair services that will keep you on the road safely.

A new set of tyres, wheel alignment, and balancing go hand in hand in maximising the expected lifespan of your new tyres. We can supply and fit your new tyres, properly balanced and aligned in-house by a qualified mechanic.

Our professionals will inspect and help you maintain your tyres and related components to ensure your safety on the road. We will give you the best advice on purchasing the correct tyres for your car, so you can rest assured that you are making the right investment in your vehicle.

The safety of your car and its passengers should always be your top priority. Regular check-ups of your tyres by our professionals can help ensure that your tyres are in excellent condition.