How to Keep Your Tyres Safe and in Good Condition

performance and safety of your tyres

Maintaining the performance and safety of your cheap tyres is essential for a smooth and safe driving experience. Several factors impact tyre performance, including tread depth, tyre pressure, temperature, road surface, and tyre age. 

In this article, we’ll look at each of these factors and their effects on tyre performance. It’s crucial to understand how these factors affect your tyres so that you can take appropriate steps to ensure the optimal performance, safety, and longevity of your tyres. By regularly checking your tyres and following manufacturer recommendations, you can avoid potential safety hazards and save money on premature replacement.

TREAD DEPTH

Tread depth is the measurement of the distance between the top of the tyre’s tread and the bottom of its deepest grooves. In general, the deeper the tread depth, the better the tyre’s grip on the road surface, especially in wet or slippery conditions. The minimum legal tread depth requirement varies by country, but in many places, it is 1.6mm. It is highly recommended to replace a tyre when its tread depth reaches 2mm. Regularly checking the tread depth of your tyres is important to ensure your safety while driving.

TYRE PRESSURE

The amount of air in a tyre, measured in pounds per square inch (PSI) or kilopascals, is referred to as tyre pressure (kPa). It’s crucial to maintain proper tyre pressure for a number of reasons, including:

Safety

Under-inflated tyres can overheat and fail. At high speeds, it can be really dangerous.

Fuel efficiency

Properly inflated tyres can reduce rolling resistance which helps improve fuel efficiency.

Tyre life

Over-inflated or under-inflated tyres can wear unevenly. It can reduce their lifespan and require premature replacement.

You can find the recommended tyre pressure in the vehicle owner’s manual. It is also on a sticker inside the driver’s door or on the tyre itself. It’s important to check tyre pressure regularly (at least once a month) using a tyre pressure gauge and adjust it as needed to ensure optimal performance, safety, and longevity of the tyres.

TEMPERATURE

Temperature can have a significant impact on the performance and safety of tyres. Here are a few ways in which temperature can affect tyres:

Inflation pressure

The air inside a tyre expands as it heats up. This can cause the tyre pressure to increase beyond the recommended level. Over-inflated tyres can be dangerous, as they can be more prone to blowouts or tyre failures.

Treadwear

High temperatures can cause the rubber in the tyre to soften. It can increase the rate of tread wear. This can make the tyre more prone to punctures, cuts, and other types of damage.

Handling and grip

Tyres rely on a certain amount of friction to grip the road surface and provide good handling. High temperatures can reduce the amount of friction between the tyre and the road. It can also lead to reduced handling and stability.

Durability

Extreme temperatures can cause the rubber in the tyre to break down over time. It can lead to cracks, bubbles, and other forms of damage that can compromise the tyre’s structural integrity.

To ensure the best performance and safety of your tyres, it’s important to follow the manufacturer’s recommendations. You should properly inflate your tyres to avoid exposing your tyres to extreme temperatures for extended periods.

TYPE OF ROAD SURFACE

The type of road surface can have a significant impact on the performance of a tyre. Here are a few ways in which different road surfaces can affect tyre performance:

Wet roads

Tyres tend to have less grip on wet roads than on dry roads. This can make it more difficult to accelerate, brake, and turn. Tyres with a good wet grip performance will have grooves in the tread pattern designed to channel water away from the tyre’s contact patch. It helps to maintain good traction.

Gravel roads

Gravel roads can cause small stones and debris to become embedded in the tread of the tyre. This can cause punctures, cuts, and other types of damage. Tyres with a strong puncture-resistant casing and a deep tread pattern can help to reduce the risk of damage on gravel roads.

Uneven surfaces

Uneven road surfaces can cause the tyre to bounce and vibrate. This can make the ride less comfortable and affect the handling and stability of the vehicle. Tyres with a good shock-absorbing capacity and sturdy construction can help to improve ride quality on rough or uneven surfaces.

High-speed roads

At high speeds, tyres can generate a lot of heat due to the friction between the tyre and the road surface. Tyres that are for high-speed driving will have a specific tread pattern and durable construction. They will be able to withstand the stresses of high-speed driving.

 AGE

Yes, the age of a tyre can have a significant impact on its performance, even if they are brand new or has been well-maintained. Here are a few ways in which the age of a tyre can affect its performance:

Deterioration of rubber

Over time, the rubber in a tyre can dry out and deteriorate, even if they are brand new. This can lead to cracking, splitting, and other types of damage. They can compromise the tyre’s structural integrity. It can also make it more prone to punctures or blowouts.

Loss of inflation pressure

Tyres can lose air over time due to the permeability of rubber. This can lead to reduced performance and underinflation. Even if a tyre looks fine, it may be significantly under-inflated if it hasn’t been already checked.

Reduced traction

As a tyre age, its rubber compound can harden. This can reduce its ability to provide good traction on the road surface. This can also lead to reduced handling and longer stopping distances. They can create a higher risk of skidding or sliding in wet or slippery conditions.

For these reasons, it’s generally recommended to replace tyres that are more than six years old. It does not matter if they are Brand new and appear to be in good condition.  Regularly checking the age of your tyres, along with other factors is a big help. You should check inflation pressure, tread depth, and overall condition which can help you to ensure the best performance and safety on the road.

Conclusion

In conclusion, maintaining the performance and safety of your tyres is crucial for a smooth and safe driving experience. Regularly checking tread depth, tyre pressure, temperature, road surface, and tyre age can help ensure optimal performance, safety, and longevity of your tyres. 

Tyre pressure, in particular, plays a significant role in ensuring your safety while driving. Over-inflated or under-inflated tyres can affect fuel efficiency, wear unevenly, reduce lifespan, and potentially cause tyre failures. 

The type of road surface can also have a significant impact on tyre performance, with different road surfaces affecting grip, puncture resistance, and ride quality. Age is another factor that affects tyre performance, as the rubber can deteriorate, reducing performance and traction. 

By following manufacturer recommendations and checking your tyres regularly, you can avoid potential safety hazards and save money on premature replacement.