You’ve ticked all the right boxes when it comes to making sure that everything is seamlessly in place for that end-of-year holiday, but can you say the same for your tyres? Failing to make sure your car has got the right “shoes” can turn your dream holiday into a roadside disaster.
You’ve ticked all the right boxes when it comes to making sure that everything is seamlessly in place for that end-of-year holiday, but can you say the same for your tyres? Failing to make sure your car has got the right “shoes” can turn your dream holiday into a roadside disaster.
Here are some tyre safety basics to look out for, thanks to Tiger Wheel & Tyre:
Take note of your tread
We all have a favourite pair of shoes that we wear until the heels have eroded beyond recognition. Just like the heels of your shoes, tyres have tread that wears down with driving. The more worn your tyres, the less traction and grip you will have on the road, meaning your braking distance will increase and you are more likely to skid when driving in the rain. In fact, the legal tread depth limit in South Africa is a minimum of 1mm across the entire circumference of the tyre. If you are unsure whether you are legal, ask a wheel and tyre professional to point out the tread wear indicators on your tyres.
Under pressure
Wearing shoes that are too tight or too loose can be plain unpleasant. The right tyre pressure, on the other hand, can be the difference between life and death. Don’t assume the pressure is two bars – each car comes with recommended pressures which you will find in the sill of the driver’s door or inside the fuel cap. Rather take the time to check these and make sure the pressure is just right. Over-inflated tyres erode quickly at their centre, while under-inflated tyres wear on the outsides quicker. Under-inflated tyres overheat easily and can cause tyre bursts which are notorious for causing road fatalities.
The other tyre.
Before you get on your way, always check that you have a spare tyre that it is inflated to the right pressure, and has the right amount of tread – at least 1mm – for a safe journey. If your car is fitted with run-flat tyres you won’t have a spare, see “Run-flats vs Normal” below.
Balancing act
Staying in your lane is a basic rule, but neglecting the balancing and alignment of your wheels can make you lose your step. If your car is shaking or pulling to one side while driving, you need to get your wheels balanced and aligned. Sometimes it’s very subtle so make sure you check your wheel balancing and alignment every 10 000 kms or before every major trip. This not only improves the handling of your car but also extends the tread life of your tyres.
Replacing your tyres: If you have to replace a tyre due to worn tread or damage, never replace only 1 tyre at a time as this will affect the handling of your car. Always replace 2 or 4 tyres.
Repairing your tyres: If you need to repair a tyre, don’t take any short cuts with a temporary plug and only have it repaired at a reputable tyre dealer.
Know the difference:
Nitrogen vs Air
Tyres running on nitrogen don’t lose pressure as quickly as tyres inflated with air. Inflating your tyres with nitrogen can extend tyre life by up to 20%.
Run-flat vs Normal
Run-flat tyres are designed to continue driving after the tyre has been punctured so that you don’t have to stop at the side of the road and put on a spare. Run-flat tyres should not be repaired.
Heavy load vs Light load
Heavy loads put extra strain on your tyres, so if your car is jam-packed with luggage, make sure you adjust the tyre pressure. Tyre failure can occur due to overloading, so check your owner’s manual for recommended tyre pressures for “heavy loads” before you pack everything but the kitchen sink.
