How Often Should I Get My Tyres Checked?
Tyres are rarely the first thing to come to mind when most people think of a car’s safety features. However, tyres are actually one of the most important parts of a vehicle’s safety because they connect your car to the road.
Like most components of your car, tyres are prone to wear and tear over time. It’s a good idea to check your tyres regularly to ensure your car is in the best possible condition. This will help you identify any minor damage before it becomes a more costly issue down the line.
While there is no one-fits-all solution for maintaining tyres, there are a few simple things you can personally do to increase their lifespan. For the best advice and tyre repair services, speak to a licensed mechanic such as the team at Highfields Mechanical.
What You Need To Know About Tyre Pressure
Tyre pressure impacts everything from your car’s fuel economy and its ability to brake in an emergency situation to the speed at which your tyres suffer from wear and tear. While tyres can generally hold air quite well, they are not completely airtight, meaning your tyres can be at risk of underinflation as air is released over time. This not only eats up more fuel, but can cause your tyre to fail while the car is in motion. The risk is especially high when adding weight to the vehicle, such as when the car is full of passengers.
The good news is that checking and maintaining your tyre pressure can be a simple task. In fact, some experts recommend vehicle owners conduct quick checks on their own tyres as often as once every two weeks. This involves setting your tyre pressures to the vehicle manufacturer’s recommendation. You can generally find this information on the tyre placard inside your door jamb, glove box, or in the vehicle manual.
When checking tyre pressure, it’s also a good idea to complete a visual inspection on the tread and sidewalls of the tyre. This involves checking for foreign objects such as screws and nails, bald spots, irregular wear, or any other kind of damage which would require a tyre puncture repair.
If you’d prefer to leave the tyre pressure checks to a professional, you can bring your vehicle to your local mechanic to conduct a tyre service. At Highfields Mechanical, our expert technicians will not only check your tyre pressure but can ensure all of your tyres are in the best possible condition for you to safely drive away.
When Should I Get A Tyre Replacement?
Industry standards suggest replacing passenger tyres approximately every six years, with a maximum of ten years. However, the timing of your tyre replacement also depends on how the tyres have been used and what type of weather they are usually driven in.
One of the most obvious indicators of needing a tyre replacement is if your tyre tread is approaching the legal 1.5mm limit. Check the wear indicator bars on your tyre tread, and if they are invisible in some places, this indicates you should replace your tyres.
To increase the lifespan of your tyres, avoid hitting kerbs when parking your car. It is important to note that front tyres on a four-wheel drive vehicle can wear at a rate of almost double that of the rear tyres, so it’s best to consult your vehicle manual or speak to a licensed mechanic for advice about your own car’s make and model.
Choose Highfields Mechanical For Your Next Tyre Replacement
At Highfields Mechanical, our experienced team specialises in all things tyres. We are equipped with the latest wheel balancing and alignment technology, and can work quickly and accurately to ensure any repairs comply with your vehicle manufacturer’s requirements.
Whether you need a tyre replacement, tyre pressure checks, or tyre fitting services, Highfields Mechanical has access to leading tyre brands and expert advice to keep you driving safely.
Give us a call today on (07) 4646 1780 or fill out our online contact form and we will be in touch.