Summer Tyre Maintenance
As the summer months rapidly approach, it’s likely that your thoughts will turn to all those road trips you’ve been wanting to take. Whether it’s heading off on a holiday, driving to one of Sydney’s many popular beach spots or a visit to some mates - you need to know that your tyres are in top condition.
Last year, Sydney experienced its hottest summer ever to be recorded. During the hotter months, your vehicle’s tyres are put under extra pressure. The more heat your tyres are exposed to, the greater the need to keep an eye on your tyres and know how to identify potential hazards.
At Kogarah Tyrepower, we’ve listed some simple tyre checks to help get your summer road adventures off to a safe start!
Tread Depth
The tread depth on your tyres shouldn’t fall below 1.6mm (the legal limit is 1.5mm). Once your tyres reach this mark, your vehicle becomes unroadworthy. Good tyre tread enables your car to handle better.
A simple method for checking how much tread is remaining is to use a 20c coin - place a 20c coin into the tread of your tyre, if it doesn’t reach the bill of the platypus that means there’s less than 3mm of tread remaining. Alternatively, you can assess your tyres using a tread depth indicator, which are available for purchase from an auto parts store.
Inflation
Tyre pressure changes with rising temperatures. Given the warm summers that Sydney experience, you should be checking your tyre pressure before almost every journey.
The air pressure in your tyres supports the entire weight of your car. Working in constant contact with the road, tyres absorb shock and provide grip. When your tyres are properly inflated, your car’s safety and performance are increased and fuel costs are decreased. Incorrectly inflated tyres cause premature wear that could otherwise be easily avoided.
The necessary tyre pressure figure for your vehicle can be found in your vehicle manual or your vehicle placard (typically located in the door jamb on the driver’s side).
It’s best to check your tyre pressure when your vehicle’s been stationary for at least three hours, as the recommended PSI is based on the tyres being cold (once a vehicle’s in motion, its tyres heat up).
Check your tyre pressure using a tyre pressure gauge, which can be purchased from your nearest auto parts store. Make sure you check the spare tyre too!
Tyres can be inflated using an air compressor or the air outlet at your nearest service station. Using your own tyre pressure gauge will give you a more accurate reading.
Tyre Rotation
Rotating your tyres on a regular basis achieves uniform wear and maximises the tread life of your tyres, saving you money and potential hassles down the road.
You should rotate your vehicle’s tyres at least every ten thousand kilometres, or every six months, whichever comes first. Regular tyre rotations help to preserve tyre wear, enhance balance, handling and traction.
Wheel Alignment
When your wheels are correctly aligned - your vehicle handles at its best. Misalignment of your tyres can cause irregular wear and compromise safety.
To the naked eye, your vehicle’s wheels may appear to be facing straight ahead but if the alignment is out by as little as one millimeter from the manufacturer’s recommendations, it can be enough to cause premature wear to your tyres. Indicators you may need a wheel alignment include feeling as though your vehicle pulls to one side of the road, or a shuddering steering wheel when driving at higher speeds.
Kogarah Tyrepower is here to help you get the most out of your tyres, whilst keeping your vehicle safe. Contact us today on (02) 9587 3366 to arrange an inspection of your tyres before Summer hits!
