Tyres are one of the most important parts of your car and therefore it is vital that you look after them. Tyres are essential for safe driving and are the only force that comes between the road and the vehicle.
The core reasoning behind tyres is that they provide the function of braking and acceleration, and maintain control of the vehicle’s direction. If you have any issues with your tyres you will almost always fail a MOT test so it is essential that they are in good condition.
How Long Should Tyres Last?
This will depend on the brand you have chosen and the quality of the tyres – there are many variables which can affect the lifespan of tyres. It will also hugely depend on how often you drive the car and which surfaces are driven on, as this will affect how quickly the tyres wear down.
Most new tyres are manufactured to last between 3 and 6 years but this can vary dependent on the factors mentioned above. There are plenty of steps you can take to reduce the wear on your tyres and keep them in good condition for years and years.
5 Key Tips to Longevity of Your Tyres
- Regularly Check for Damage
We would always recommend that you regularly check your tyres for any damage or wear. This is hugely important, especially for long journeys, as you don’t want to end up stranded somewhere! You should be checking for bulges, cuts and anything else that doesn’t look right. If you think there is an issue with your tyres, take it to a local garage.
- Be Careful with Kerbs
If you are mounting a kerb or parking, you should be cautious when it comes to your tyres. It is dangerous to try and mount a kerb at any kind of speed as you will likely burst the tyre, leaving you unable to drive the car any further. Drive near kerbs as slowly as possible and try not to scuff the tyre against it.
- Regularly Check Your Tyre Pressure
Your tyre’s pressure will affect the way the car steers, breaks and how much mileage it uses whilst driving. If your tyres are overinflated or overinflated this can increase the amount of fuel it uses and increases the chances of wear and tear. You can easily check this with your own pressure gauge, which is standard with most cars.
- Ensure Wheel Alignment Is Correct
If your wheels are not aligned correctly this will result in uneven wear and tear on your tyres. This will also mean your tyres are more prone to regular damage. Ensure your alignment is in place and adjusted if this is necessary.
- Drive Safely
The key point to take away from this is safe driving. If you are careful with driving and look after your vehicle, you are much less likely to have an issue with your tyres and they will usually last a lot longer than if you drive without care.
Tread Depth Laws – Do Your Tyres Meet the Standards?
Another important element of your tyres to consider is the tread depth. The legal minimum in the UK is 1.6mm and therefore you must ensure your tyres meet these minimum standards.
Replacing Your Tyres
In some cases, you will simply need to replace your tyres with new ones. If you’re looking for Tyres in Tunbridge Wells you can contact your local garage and they will be able to arrange purchase of new tyres.
You can usually choose from budget tyres, mid-range tyres and premium tyres, depending on your requirements. Your garage will be able to advise you on the best tyres for your vehicle and at the best price.
Once your replacement tyres have been arranged, you should now take every precaution to keep your tyre lasting for the years to come.