How to Check Tyre Wear

Maintaining your vehicle's tyres ensures a safe and smooth driving experience. Regularly checking the condition of your tyres is a vital safety measure, particularly if you're planning a long drive or experiencing problems with your car's handling or braking. So, how do you check your tyre wear? Read on to find out!

Why is it Important to Check Tyre Wear?

Checking tyre wear is critical because worn tyres can significantly impact your vehicle's performance and safety. When your tyres are worn, they have less grip on the road, affecting your car's braking and handling. This can lead to longer stopping distances, reduced cornering ability, and a higher risk of skidding or losing control.

As a result, you will find yourself needing roadside assistance more often. Worn tyres also have less tread depth, making them more likely to puncture or suffer from a blowout, which can be extremely dangerous, especially at high speeds.

Step-By-Step Guide to Checking Tyre Wear

Check the tread depth

Use a tread depth gauge or the '20p test' to check your tyre tread depth. If your tyres are close to or below the legal limit of 1.5 mm, they must be replaced. Tyres with a low tread depth are more prone to hydroplaning when your tyres lose contact with the road surface and ride on top of a layer of water, reducing their ability to grip the road.

Check for uneven wear

Inspect your car's tyres for signs of uneven wear. Look for signs of wear on the inside and outside edges of the tyre tread. Uneven wear could indicate that there may be poor wheel alignment or suspension problems, so it's essential to have your tyres checked by a professional if you notice any uneven wear.

Check for bulges or cracks

Inspect the tyre sidewalls for any bulges or cracks. These could be a sign of damage caused by potholes or other objects in the road. If you notice any bulges or cracks, have your tyres checked by a professional.

Check the tyre pressure

Ensure your tyres are inflated to the appropriate pressure, which you can find in your car's manual or displayed on a sticker inside the door. Under or over-inflated tyres can cause uneven wear, reduced handling, and increased fuel consumption.

Inspect the valve caps

Check that the valve caps on your tyres are in place and tight. Valve caps help to keep out dirt and moisture, which can cause damage to the valve and tyre.

Check the age of your tyres

Tyres deteriorate with time, even if they haven't been used. Check the age by looking for a four-digit code on the sidewall of your tyres. The first two digits on the tyre represent the week, while the last two represent the year of manufacture.

Tips for Maintaining Tyres

Maintaining your tyres is essential for ensuring your safety on the road. Regularly checking your tyres' condition can help you identify signs of wear and take appropriate action to maintain their condition. Here are some tips for maintaining tyres:

Rotate your tyres

Tyres wear differently, and this depends on their position on the vehicle. Rotating your tyres can help even out the wear and prolong their lifespan. Your tyres should be rotated every 8,000 to 10,000 kilometres. Consult your car manual or a tyre professional for specific recommendations for your vehicle.

Keep your tyres clean

Regularly cleaning your tyres can help prevent debris from building up and causing damage. Use soap and water to clean your tyres, and avoid using chemicals that can damage the rubber.

Avoid overloading your vehicle

Overloading your vehicle can put excessive weight on your tyres, causing them to wear with time. Consult your car manual for the maximum weight limit and avoid exceeding it.

Drive smoothly

Abrupt braking, quick acceleration, and sharp turns can cause your tyres to wear more quickly. Drive smoothly and avoid harsh driving habits to prolong your tyres' lifespan.

Have your tyres balanced

Tyre balancing helps distribute the weight evenly across the tyres and prevents uneven wear. Have your tyres balanced regularly, especially after installing new tyres or after significant changes in driving conditions.

Common Causes of Tyre Wear

Under-inflation

Under-inflated tyres can cause the tyre's edges to wear more quickly, reducing lifespan. It can also cause the tyre to flex more than it should, generating heat and increasing the risk of a blowout.

Over-inflation

Over-inflated tyres can cause the tyre's centre to wear more quickly, reducing its lifespan. Over-inflated tyres can also make the vehicle unstable and reduce handling performance, especially in wet or slippery conditions.

Poor alignment

Poorly aligned wheels can cause uneven wear on the tyres, reducing lifespan. When wheels are not aligned correctly, the tyres can wear on one side more than the other, causing irregular wear patterns.

Suspension problems

Worn-out suspension components can cause uneven wear on the tyres, reducing lifespan. Worn-out shocks, struts, or other suspension parts can cause the vehicle to bounce, making it difficult to control and causing the tyres to wear unevenly.

Poor driving habits

Harsh driving habits such as abrupt braking and quick acceleration can cause the tyres to wear more quickly. Driving aggressively can also cause the tyres to wear unevenly.

Poor road conditions

Potholes, curbs, and other road debris can cause damage to the tyres, leading to premature wear. Driving on poorly maintained roads can cause the tyres to wear out more quickly.

Improper tyre rotation

Incorrect tyre rotation can cause uneven wear on the tyres, reducing their lifespan. Tyres should be rotated according to the manufacturer's recommendations or every 8,000 to 10,000 kilometres.

Using mismatched tyres

Using mismatched tyres, such as different tyre sizes or tyre treads, can cause uneven wear on the tyres. It can also affect the vehicle's handling and stability.

When to Replace Tyres

Knowing when to replace your tyres helps ensure your safety on the road. Here are the signs that it's time to replace your tyres:

Low tread depths

The minimum tread depth for tyres is 1.6mm. When the tyre tread depth reaches this point, it's time to replace your tyres. Tyres with low tread depth can cause reduced traction and increase the risk of hydroplaning.

Cracks or bulges

Cracks or bulges in the tread area or sidewall of the tyre can indicate structural damage and increase the risk of a blowout. If you notice any cracks or bulges, have your tyres checked by a professional.

Age

Even if your tyres appear in good condition, they can deteriorate over time. Tyres over six years old need replacement, even if not used extensively.

Vibration

If you notice a vibration while driving, it could be a sign that your tyres are out of balance or have uneven wear. This can also indicate a more significant issue, such as a suspension problem.

Excessive noise

If your tyres are making more noise than usual, it could be a wear indicator or an indication of structural issues. If you notice excessive noise, have your tyres checked by a professional.

Damage

Any visible damage to your tyres, such as cuts, punctures, or tears, can compromise their structural integrity and increase the blowout risk. If you notice any damage, have your tyres inspected by a professional.

Temperature changes

Extreme temperature changes can affect the performance of your tyres. If you stay in an area with drastic temperature changes or harsh weather conditions, it's essential to have your tyres checked regularly.

Don't Ignore Your Tyres

Your tyres are a crucial component of your vehicle, and it's essential to keep them in good condition for your safety on the road. Checking your tyre pressures, rotating your tyres, and taking them for inspections can help you identify and address the issues before they become serious.

Don't ignore your tyres – take care of them, and they will take care of you. Having tyres still in good condition will help you get a better deal on your car sale, so don't neglect to do the proper maintenance.