As a car owner you would like to think you know the basics about your tyres. How to correctly maintain them, what to look out for when buying new ones and even how to change a flat tyre. But what about the more uncommon facts? Just because they are not as widely known doesn’t mean they aren’t as significant. Below we have highlighted some uncommon facts everyone should know about their tyres.
Having over inflated tyres is just as dangerous as having under inflated ones. Most drivers are aware of the risks with underinflated tyres. An over inflated tyre can be just as dangerous, negatively impacting on the braking, handling and comfort of your drive. The more over inflated the tyre, the smaller the contact patch with the road, resulting in uneven wear and making the tyre more susceptible to burst. For more information on how to properly maintain your tyre’s air pressure click here.
A tyre’s tread depth can have a dramatic effect on your braking distance. A tyre’s tread depth plays a major part in road safety. As the tread becomes worn, wet grip is reduced, impacting on the braking distance and overall control of your vehicle. Tread is legally required to be kept above a certain depth, which throughout Australia is no less than 1.5mm. However it is important to note that whilst a worn tyre might still be legal, its grip performance (particularly in the wet) is significantly reduced compared to a new tyre.
Tyre condition is not only determined by appearance. Most problems with your tyres can be identified visually. However, there are some other signals that tell you your tyres may be on their way out. A change in your driving conditions are a major telltale sign that you should get your tyres inspected. If your driving becomes impaired, your steering wheel vibrates or has become unusually noisy you should contact your local tyre specialist and book in an inspection as soon as possible! Find your nearest Tyres and More store here.
You should replace your tyres in fours. Ensuring all of your tyres are the same in terms of brand, tread depth/pattern, size and age can make a huge improvement to your driving conditions. Replacing all four tyres at once results in even traction, wear and lifespan, improving both the handling and comfort of your drive.
You can determine your tyre’s age by the last four digits on your tyres sidewall. Knowing your tyre’s age is essential to your safety on the road. The state of your tyre is not the only determining factor. All tyre’s made after 1999 will display the date of manufacture in four digits on the sidewall. For example 1908 displayed on the sidewall means your tyre was manufactured in the 19th week of 2008.
Old tyres can be recycled to make new roads. This one is for the environmentally conscious. Not only does this mean old tyres are put to good use, but researchers have found that using old tyres to build new roads actually makes roads a lot quieter.
Not using your tyres regularly can speed up the ageing process. A tyre that is not in regular use deteriorates, the air within the tyre gradually escapes. This causes the rubber on the outside to dry out and become damaged. To avoid this it is important to correctly store your tyres in a cool, dry place when they are not being used.
It pays to care for your tyres. OK, so this one isn’t so uncommon, but it is definitely an important one to remember! Find out more on how to properly care and maintain your tyres here.