Continuing to use worn, damaged or simply the wrong tyres can literally mean the difference between life and death.
A set of new tyres on your car can cost upwards of $400 so it's well worthwhile looking after them. Regular checking is vital - if you don't catch a leaking tyre early it could be ruined in no time at all. Some things to consider:
Tyre pressure – check this every 2 weeks and use a reliable pressure gauge (check them when they are cold). Make sure you maintain the recommended pressure at all times. Around 80% of passenger car tyres run with some degree of under-inflation and this affects tyre longevity, passenger safety and fuel consumption
Tread – the minimum legal tread depth in Australia is 1.6mm. This is the minimum depth and it is worth noting that your stopping distance in wet weather may increase up to 70%, compared with a new tyre. To ensure long life and even tread wear, rotate your tyres at every service, or at least every 6 months. Front tyres on a front wheel drive car wear 2 ½ times faster than the rear tyres so it is even more important to do this. Once uneven tread wear has set in, it is impossible to stop.
Load - Utes, panel vans and 4WDs - check the tyre pressure is right for your load. Check the tyre placard and /or the owner’s manual for the correct pressure for the load.
Ouch - Avoid scuffing and hitting kerbs when parking your vehicle.
Valve cap - Make sure all your tyres have a valve cap, as it is the main seal.