Tyre Care Tips For New Drivers
It’s an exciting moment when you pass your driving test and are officially ready to hit the road on your own, in your first car. However, it can be easy to forget the regular maintenance required to keep yourself and your passengers safe and your vehicle in good nick.
One of the most important things to keep an eye on is the condition of your tyres.
Poorly maintained tyres can affect your car’s efficiency and performance, and risk serious safety implications.
Here at Freeway, with years of experience, we know the impact that neglected tyres can have on day-to-day driving, which is why we have put together a guide to keeping them in good condition and making the right choices as and when they need to be replaced.
How Long Do Tyres Typically Last?
In terms of miles, you should get 20,000 miles out of your front tyres and 40,000 out of your back tyres. This is by no means a definitive figure, however. How long your tyres will last will depend on various factors:
- The quality of the tyre,
- The road conditions you travel on,
- How well your tyres are looked after, in terms of maintenance and careful driving.
After five years, should you be running the same tyres, you must have your tyres inspected at least once a year by a professional. They should be replaced if they are still on your car after ten years.
How Do I Know If I Need New Tyres?
Check The Tyre Pressure
If your tyres are under-inflated, the ‘rolling resistance’ increases, requiring more fuel and energy to move your car, and therefore, you’ll be spending more money on petrol or diesel.
Under-inflated tyres can increase the risk of a blowout, and they reduce the performance of your car when under braking, cornering or acceleration, especially in wet conditions.
If you are unsure what pressure your tyres should be inflated to, most manufacturers will state this in the vehicle manual or on a sticker inside the door.
Check your tyre pressure regularly, at least once a month, especially before long journeys.
Check The Tyre Tread
When you’re driving along, the only thing that makes contact with the road surface is your tyres, so of course, they will wear down.
You must ensure that your tyre tread is above the legal limit of 1.6mm across the central three-quarters of the tyre. This must be met all way the way around the circumference.
Failure to recognise that your tyres are worn beyond the legal limit could result in a fine of £2,500 per tyre and three penalty points on your driver's licence. If you have just passed your driving test, remember that your licence will be cancelled if you get six or more penalty points in your first two years, and these penalty points are likely to push up your insurance premium.
The performance of the tyres will also deteriorate once the tread gets below 3mm, so regularly checking your tread and keeping it within the legal limit is also a safety consideration.
Are There Any Cracks In The Sidewall?
Whilst you are checking the tread, take a look at the sidewall of your tyres too. Cracks, splits and other damage can develop due to age, exposure to water, tyre pressure and exposure to UV rays.
Not acting upon this can lead to a slow puncture, causing extra wear on the tyre. In extreme cases, the tyre could burst whilst you are on the road. This is a rare occurrence and only happens where large cracks are present.
Look For Bulging
Tyre bulging is caused by swelling or air bubbles in a car tyre, often in the sidewall. They become increasingly visible over time as they worsen and become more problematic.
These bulges happen when a tyre is damaged. The initial cause can include:
- Frequently kerbing your car,
- Hitting potholes,
- Being in an accident,
- A manufacturing defect.
A bulging tyre means the cords forming the tyre’s structural integrity are weakened and potentially broken. The inner air tries to escape, causing the swelling and forming the bulge.
Tyre bulging can cause tyre blow-outs, reduced traction and uneven tyre wear.
Should I Use Winter Tyres?
This depends on the typical weather conditions of where you live. If you’re living in rural areas that could see lots of snow and ice, winter tyres could be an important investment to keep you and your passengers safe.
Winter tyres are made of softer rubber and have slits in the treat to maximise traction when driving down a snowy or icy road.
However, once the temperatures rise about 7c, the performance of winter tyres can decrease, increasing braking distances and lessening performance on bends.
Should I Rotate My Tyres?
Different wheels will take on different burdens whilst you are driving. Rotating your tyres between the front and the rear of the car can even out the wear and tear on the tyres.
Some manufacturers will recommend this to be done every year or every 7,500 miles, depending on which is hit first. If you’re unsure, speak to a professional, who can advise you on the best plan when rotating your tyres.
What Is A Tyre's Speed Rating? Does It Matter?
The speed rating is the maximum speed a tyre can travel at its maximum load. This number will be the final letter in the sequence of numbers and letters, found on the tyre sidewall.
Your car wheels will turn faster at high speeds and generate more friction and heat. If your tyre’s speed rating is too low, you will risk tyre failure and loss of control of the vehicle. This is why you need to be aware of the vehicle manufacturer’s recommended speed rating, as fitting tyres with a speed rating lower than recommended can put your safety at risk and invalidate your car insurance.
Check your vehicle handbook when buying new tyres and ensure they match, or exceed the car’s maximum speed.
What Is Wheel Alignment? Is It Important?
Wheel alignment is the adjustment of your vehicle’s suspension to impact the performance and handling. Alignment can also impact safety and tyre wear, making it an important part of your vehicle and tyre upkeep.
Signs of incorrect wheel alignment include the vehicle pulling towards the left or the right, the steering wheel looking off-centre when driving straight, steering wheel vibration and abnormal or uneven tread wear.
Do My Tyres Need To Be Balanced?
You might feel a slight ‘wobble’ when travelling above 40/50mph. Aside from uneven tyre wear, this may be a sign that you need your wheels rebalanced.
This is a simple fix that a tyre specialist can sort for you to prevent any further unnecessary deterioration of your tyres.
How Can I Improve My Tyre Lifespan?
To improve the lifespan of your tyres, maintain proper inflation, alignment, balancing and rotation. You should also adopt good driving habits, avoid overloading your vehicle, conduct regular inspections and choose the right tyres. Not only will this save you money in the long run, but it will also enhance your driving experience and improve your road safety.
Here at Freeway, we are the leading provider of tyres in Tunbridge Wells. With an extensive range of stock and years of experience, we’ll be happy to help you choose the right tyres for your vehicle and give you the advice you need to feel confident on the road when it comes to your tyre health. Get in touch today, or visit our store to chat with our team.
Written on 16th July 2024