Driving in Australia can be a challenging experience because of the continent’s diverse climate and terrain. Its vast landscape can greatly vary from scorching deserts to coastal cities, so extreme temperatures and abrasive road surfaces can accelerate wear and tear on your tyres. It can definitely take a toll on your vehicle’s tyres, especially if you don’t have a tyre care and car maintenance routine to optimise its performance and safety. So, what do you need to do to make sure that your tyres can keep going no matter where you’re driving?
Get Regular Tyre Pressure Checks
Check the owner’s manual of your vehicle to find out what is the manufacturer’s recommended pressure. Do this pressure check at least once monthly, or more often than that if you happen to have a low trailer or you regularly haul heavy loads. With the right tyre pressure, you can optimise your fuel efficiency, along with your braking and handling performance. However, if your tyres are not inflated properly, this can lead to increased fuel consumption, or uneven wear and blowouts!
Monitor Your Tread Depth Regularly
The tread depth legally required in Australia is at least a minimum of 1.5mm. Make it a habit to inspect your tyres often to check for any signs of uneven wear and cuts. Use a tread depth gauge so you can take accurate measurements of the remaining tread on your tyres. Having enough tread depth is extremely important for your tyres’ ability to grip the roads, especially in wet conditions. If your tyres are worn out, this can significantly increase the risk of accidents and hydroplaning.
Rotate Your Tyres Every Few Thousand Kilometres
You can opt to do the tyre rotation every 5,000 to 8,000 kilometres to make sure that wear is evenly distributed across all your tyres. This can help to maximise their total lifespan of use so you can get your money’s worth when you buy the most highly recommended cheap tyres in goldcoast.
Schedule a Professional Wheel Alignment and Balancing
Along with the tyre rotation, get your wheels aligned and balanced every 10,000 to 12,000 kilometres, or if you start to notice any signs of uneven tyre wear. When your wheels are properly aligned and balanced, this will help with smoother handling, along with fuel efficiency and an extended tyre life.
Get the Right Tyres for Your Vehicle
All-season tyres are a great choice for most drivers in Australia since they can perform well in different weather conditions. However, if you’ve got a sports car or you want to enjoy maximum grip and handling, then high-performance tyres can be your best option. Meanwhile, if your routine frequently has you driving on off-road tracks or unpaved roads, then all-terrain tyres are recommended. It’s a good idea to get advice from a professional or qualified tyre expert to make certain that you get the appropriate tyres for your specific driving habits and needs.
Additional Tips for Taking Care of Your Tyres
- Don’t drive at excessive speeds, especially during hot weather since high temperatures can contribute to increased tyre degradation.
- For frequent off-road travels, consider investing in high-quality specialised tyres capable of handling the demands of driving through challenging terrain.
- It’s important to make sure you regularly wash your car if you’re living in a coastal area. Doing so will help to remove any salt residue or build-up, which can damage your tyres and corrode your wheel rims.
