It’s that time of year when we take stock and make plans for the year ahead. While a new fitness regime may be top of the list for most people, it’s also a great time to get your car in good shape. It’s especially important to check your tyres for signs of damage if you’ve been driving a lot over the summer holidays.
So how do you know if your tyres need replacing? Here are some key signs of tyre damage to watch out for...
Threadbare Tread
The legal requirement for tread depth in Australia is 1.5mm. Anything less and you’re seriously compromising your safety and your car’s ability to grip the road. However we don’t recommend letting it get down that far. Did you know your tyres have Tread Wear Indicators in the tread grooves? Once the tyre wears down to these, you’re illegal! You can buy a tread depth gauge cheaply or simply drop into your local Tyres & More for a check up by one of our expert team members.
Uneven Tread Wear
Another thing to watch out for is uneven tread wear, which can be just as dangerous as badly-worn tread. It can be caused by improper tyre inflation, bad wheel alignment or dodgy suspension.
It’s important to look for a good-quality tyre that will wear evenly over time. Yokohama’s BluEarth ES-ES32 is one of the more eco-friendly tyres on the market. The tyre’s flexibility also gives it excellent grip in wet weather.
Chipping or Cracking in the Tyre Sidewalls
Another key thing to watch out for is cracking in the sidewall. This can be relatively superficial but it may also go deeper into the inner tyre, which will potentially lead to problems with stability and increase risk of a blowout.
(Bad) Vibrations
Vibration can come from poor balance of the tyre/wheel combination, incorrect wheel alignment or uneven tyre wear, amongst other causes. Take your vehicle in for a check by the experts to eliminate annoying and potentially dangerous vibration.
Even if your tyres aren’t currently exhibiting damage, it’s a good idea to have a new year check up. Find your local Tyres & More, or view our range of high-quality, affordable tyres which will stand you in good stead for 2020.