How To Keep Your Brand New Cars Tyres In The Best Condition
As a car owner, it’s essential to understand the importance of keeping brand new car tyres in the best condition. They are the only point of contact between your vehicle and the road, and if they’re not in good shape, it can impact your driving and safety. Maintaining your tyres’ condition is not only vital for your safety but also for your car’s performance and longevity.
Here, we’ll discuss some practical tips on how to maintain the condition of the tyres of your new car to keep them in top condition.
1. Check Your Tyre Pressure And Tread Depth Regularly
Maintaining the correct pressure in your tyres is of utmost importance when it comes to ensuring the safe and optimal performance of your vehicle. Incorrect tyre pressure – whether it is overinflated or underinflated – can cause a host of problems such as impaired handling, difficulty steering and braking, and reduced grip on the road. Thus, it is imperative to ensure that your tyres are inflated to the recommended psi level for your particular vehicle tyre.
Checking your tyre pressure does not require a significant amount of investment. A cheap pressure gauge is sufficient to make the necessary measurements, and it takes only a few minutes to perform this task. The recommended psi level for your tyre can typically be found in your vehicle’s handbook or on a sticker located inside one of the door frames. If you need to inflate your tyres, you can either use your own pump or stop by a nearby petrol station.
Checking your tyre pressure at least once a month can help you to ensure that your tyres are correctly inflated, and that there are no undetected slow punctures. Another crucial aspect to take note of is the depth of the tyre grooves, as measured by a tread depth gauge. In the UK, the legal limit for tyre tread depth is 1.6mm, and going below this limit can result in a penalty fine. By regularly checking the depth of your tyre grooves, you can ensure that they are within the legal limit, and if not, arrange to replace your tyres as soon as possible.
By performing these simple checks, you can significantly reduce the risk of potential accidents occurring due to tyre-related issues. In addition, it can also help to ensure that your vehicle is running at peak performance.
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Related Reading: Frequently Asked Questions About Tyre Maintenance & Safety
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2. Complete A Regular Visual Inspection
It is crucial for drivers to visually inspect their tyres in order to maintain their condition. This can help detect any damage to the tyres before it becomes a major problem, giving drivers enough time to replace them before it poses a risk on the road. Tyres should wear away uniformly and gradually over time. If a driver notices any sidewall damage, it may be indicative of an underlying issue that requires professional attention to ensure safety.
If a driver notices uneven wear on their tyres, it might mean that their tracking is awry. This can result in wheels requiring alignment. Before investing in new tyres, it is important to address this issue first as, otherwise, the new tyres will also wear down prematurely due to the misaligned wheels.
Another way to identify faults with tyres is by feeling any unusual sensations while driving, such as less traction or higher levels of road noise and vibrations in the steering wheel. When experiencing these issues, it is recommended to check in with a mechanic who can investigate further and offer guidance on the necessary steps to take. With regular tyre maintenance and quick action in the event of an issue, drivers can ensure they are driving safely on the road.
3. Have Good Driving Habits
To ensure that your vehicle’s tyres remain in top-notch condition, it is essential to practice good driving habits. One of the most critical aspects of maintaining healthy tyres is avoiding premature wear and tear. This can occur if you brake or accelerate too harshly, so it is essential to be mindful of your driving style.
Harsh driving manoeuvres can place unnecessary stress on your tyres, causing them to wear down more quickly than expected. Additionally, it is advisable to avoid turning the steering wheel while the vehicle is stationary as this can increase friction-related damage to the tyres.
Another factor that can negatively impact your tyre’s health is driving on uneven or debris-laden roads. Such road conditions can cause punctures, cuts, and other damages to your tyres, leading to more frequent replacements. Therefore, it is crucial to drive cautiously on such surfaces and avoid them whenever possible.
When approaching a kerb, it is wise to exercise caution. Driving too quickly can result in a significant impact force that can cause your tyres to develop a gash or even a bulge, which can lead to catastrophic tyre failures. Parking too close to a kerb can also be problematic as the tyre sidewall can be “pinched” against the concrete, resulting in damage. By avoiding any contact with the kerb while parking, you can reduce the risk of unnecessary tyre damage.
Finally, investing in alloy wheel insurance might not be necessary as dents and scuff marks from kerbing can be avoided altogether by practising appropriate parking techniques. Overall, by following these tips, you can keep your tyres in excellent condition and avoid costly replacements.
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Related Reading: Expert Driving Tips for Experienced Drivers
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4. Avoid Overloading Your Vehicle
It is essential to be aware of the weight limit of your car and the consequences that come with overloading it. Carrying excessive weight in your vehicle can put additional pressure on your tyres, making them more prone to wear and tear. This could lead to tyres expanding beyond their recommended diameter, overheating, and eventually bursting, which is hazardous when driving at high speeds.
Therefore, it is crucial to maintain your car’s weight limit by avoiding excessive cargo and passenger weight. If you need to carry a significant load, it would be wise to use a trailer or a roof box as they provide additional space without overloading your vehicle. Additionally, using these types of load carriers will protect your tyres from the additional weight, reducing the risk of potential damage.
Remember, overloading your car can lead to other issues too, including compromising your car’s handling, braking, and acceleration abilities. It can also potentially impact your fuel economy, which can be a considerable cost in the long run. By avoiding excessive weight and utilizing alternative load carriers, you will keep your vehicle safer, more efficient, and in better condition.
5. Have Regular Checks With A Mechanic
It is highly recommended to schedule regular maintenance sessions with a qualified mechanic in order to optimize the lifespan and performance of your car and its tyres. Having a thorough inspection performed by a professional can help identify any potential issues that could impact your tyres’ longevity, such as misaligned wheels or worn suspension components. These types of issues can cause your tyres to wear out prematurely, resulting in costly replacements and potential safety hazards. By receiving routine preventative maintenance services, you can avoid these problems and ensure that your car is running optimally, thereby extending the life of your tyres and saving you money in the long run.
Conclusion
In conclusion, keeping your tyres in top condition is essential for your safety and the longevity of your vehicle. It is important to regularly check your tyre pressure and tread depth, complete visual inspections, practice good driving habits, avoid overloading your vehicle, and have regular checks with a mechanic. By following these tips, you can ensure that your tyres are in the best condition possible, giving you peace of mind while driving.
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Related Reading: Diagnosing Car Problems & How To Solve Them
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q. What are the top causes of tyre damage on new cars?
The main causes of tyre damage on new cars are underinflation, overloading, hitting curbs or potholes, and aggressive driving.
Q. What can I do to avoid underinflation of my car tyres?
Regularly check your tyre pressure and adjust it to the recommended level indicated in your car manual or on the driver’s door jamb label.
Q. Is overloading my car with heavy cargo bad for my tyres?
Yes, overloading puts extra strain on the tyres, resulting in premature wear, increased rolling resistance, and higher fuel consumption.
Q. Should I avoid driving on unpaved or rough roads to protect my car’s tyres?
Yes, driving on rough or unpaved roads increases the risk of punctures, cuts, and abrasion to your car tyres.
Q. How can I prevent sidewall damage to my car tyres?
Avoid hitting curbs or obstacles at high speed, and park your car carefully to avoid kerb damage to your tyres.
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Related Reading: Why Is My Car Making A Noise?
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Q. Is it important to rotate the tyres on my new car?
Yes, rotating the tyres ensures even wear and extends their lifespan, saving you money in the long run.
Q. Can bad wheel alignment cause tyre damage on my new car?
Yes, misaligned wheels can cause uneven wear on your car tyres, leading to premature replacement.
Q. What type of tyres are best for my new car?
The type of tyres you need depends on the driving conditions you encounter. Consult a professional tyre dealer for advice.
Q. How often should I replace my car tyres?
Most tyres need to be replaced every six years, regardless of the mileage driven, to avoid the risk of tyre failure.
Q. Are there any warning signs to watch out for that suggest my car tyres are wearing out?
Yes, such signs include uneven wear, bulges, cracks, punctures, and vibration. If you notice any of these symptoms, take your car to a tyre specialist for inspection.
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Related Reading: 10 Most Common Car Problems You Can Fix Yourself
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What are your options for extended UK car warranty cover?
We don’t want to complicate this, so we’ve kept it nice and simple. Here’s three great options for mechanical breakdown or electrical failure car warranty cover, that’ll give you all you need, including cover for wear & tear.
3-Star Car Warranty
Select this option if you want affordable cover for a long list of covered components. Gives you up to £7,000 claim limit towards the cost of parts, labour and VAT for the mechanical breakdown or electrical failure of covered parts.
4-Star Car Warranty
Select this option to cover a wide range of components on your vehicle, and get up to £7,000 claim limit towards the cost of parts, labour and VAT in the event of mechanical breakdown or electrical failure, or imminent failure identified during an MOT or service.
5-Star Car Warranty
Looking for comprehensive warranty protection? Our 5-Star warranty covers an extensive range of parts and offers up to £7,000 claim limit towards the cost of parts, labour and VAT for the mechanical breakdown or electrical failure of covered parts on your vehicle.
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