How to Take Care of Your Car Tyres

 

Importance – Tyres are responsible for keeping your vehicle in control and, therefore, it is extremely important to maintain them well.  No vehicle is truly safe unless the tyres are regularly inspected and kept in good shape.  Regular checks and proper maintenance can substantially prolong the life of your tyres and save you the cost of replacement.

 

Spare – Always keep a spare tyre, even if it is not used, it should always be in good condition.

 

Constant Check – Constantly examine your tyres to determine if they are worn out and replace immediately.   The safety of a vehicle is determined by the health of the tyres.

 

Life Span – The life span of a tyre is usually determined by many  factors including the road, rate of usage etc.  To prolong the life span of your tyres, proper care and maintenance is required.

 

Air-Pressure – Tyres operate better when properly inflated.  Always ensure that your tyres have the correct air-pressure recommended by the manufacturer or listed on the sidewall of markings.  Wrong pressure can make your vehicle difficult to drive because tyres directly affect the way you car rides, steers, handles and brakes.  Check the air-pressure in the morning before you drive more than a few kilometres when tyres are still cold.

 

Over-Inflation – Over-inflated tyres are just as dangerous as under inflated ones.  They are more prune to punctures and may burst upon sudden impact.  Too much air reduces road contact and causes wear in the middle of the treads.  However, air pressure can only be increased in line with the manufacturer’s recommendations.

 

Under-Inflation – Under-inflated tyres are also dangerous and a good way of wasting fuel and reducing the tyres’ life expectancy.  A constantly under-inflated tyre will bulge at the shoulders and wear rapidly at the edges.  

 

Inspection – It is advisable to inspect your tyres before, during and after long journeys.  Visually inspect for any signs of damage such as cuts and bulges.  Check and remove small stones, metal pieces and other foreign objects that may get lodged in the grooves.

 

Storage – It is advisable to store tyres in a cool and dry conditions, and kept away from direct sunlight.

 

Wheel Balancing – This allows the tyres and wheels spin without causing vibrations.  A tyre is said to be out of balance when one section of tyre is heavier than the others.  It is advisable to check the tyres at the first sign of vibration.

 

Interchange – All the four tyres of a vehicle do not, under normal circumstance, wear out at the same time.  This is so because they face different pressures as they are mounted at different positions.  It is therefore advisable to interchange  the tyres from time to time.

 

New Tyres – Experts advice that when shopping for new tyres, you should get larger diameter tyres for rear wheels. 

 

 

How to Reduce Fuel Consumption:

 

In this era of global economic recession, proper management of resources is not only necessary but mandatory.  The following tips could be assist in reducing the amount spent on fuelling your car.  You may not believe it if you can keep proper record of the amount spent on fuel to determine the amount saved.

 

1.       Service your car regularly.

2.       Replace air filter regularly.

3.       Reduce unnecessary weight on the car.

4.       Drive slowly and when you use the accelerator, use it gently.

5.       Turn off your car when you are waiting for someone.

6.       Keep windows closed when travelling on high speeds.  Open windows cause air drag reducing your mileage by 10 per cent.

7.       Drive steadily.  Slowing down or speeding up wastes fuel.

8.       Avoid tailgating.  Remember you cannot predict the driver in your front. It is unsafe and increases fuel economy if you slow down.

9.       Do not accelerate on a hill.  You can do so before reaching the hill.

10.   Avoid rough roads.  Use alternative roads when safer, shorter and straighter.

11.   Radial designed tyres are good fuel savers.  Always check manufacturers specification for maximum tyre pressure.