Looking after your car tyres will return you many benefits. First of all, it is your safety, secondly, saving you money over the long run. Random tyre pressure check or occasional pre-winter tyre check is not always enough. It requires a more systematic approach. Although most of the modern cars are equipped with TPMS tyre pressure sensors to make everyday life easier, it still doesn’t exempt you from a routine monthly tyre pressure check.

Tyre Wear

Having your tyre pressure set a recommended level will ensure an optimum vehicle control at all times. It will also protect your tyres from premature wear, lower the risk of accidental tyre damage, punctures and other types of air leakage. We strongly advise checking the owner’s manual handbook to find a recommended tyre pressure setting for your own vehicle. Please ignore the word of mouth stories of higher pressure improving fuel economy and similar nonsense. The number shown in the handbook is the most accurate one and should be respected.

Rotating The Wheels

Another essential task when caring for your tyres is swapping them from the drive to the dead axle and vice versa. It is recommended to do so halfway into the tyre life,  at approx 15-20k kilometres from new. Tyre rotation extends the working life of tyres, so you get the best possible durability. This way, when the time comes, you will be replacing a full set of tyres, ensuring a balanced performance of your vehicle at any given time.

Tyre rotation will also allow a tyre fitter to check the state of the tyres and valves, to make sure that all are up to proper standards.

If you are changing your tyre from winter to summer set, you can postpone the rotation as they will be re-fitted six months ever.

Lastly, we would like to deny a false rumour. Getting your spare wheel into a rotation is not a good idea. This exercise will lead to vehicles imbalance. Just keep it always ready and pumped up for emergency use.

Properly Store Them

This part applies to drivers changing their tyres from summer to winter along with the weather conditions. Quite often, drivers underestimate the value of adequately storing their tyres.  At Tyreland, we are offering tyre storage free of charge, but you can also store them in your own garage. When using your place, make sure to follow these steps:

• Clean the tyres, removing the dirt, oily residues, petrol etc.
• Store them on their sides.
• Use a cool, dry and ventilated place.
• Avoid sunlight (could cause the rubber to crack)
• Do not stack heavy items on top of them (could cause deformation).

Lastly, a simple but useful tip: record your tyres with chalk or Tippex pen, indicating whether it was on the right or left or on the front or rear axle. This way, you can quickly identify them when they need to be fitted again.

If you are planning a driving holiday this summer and would like an expert opinion on any of the above, don’t hesitate to pop into your nearest branch of Tyreland and our friendly team will be happy to assist. Call now on 01 860 20 20 to find your nearest branch