We all enjoy getting more for less. When it comes to lengthening your tyre lifespan, there are several things you can do to ensure that you need to replace them less often. This article will look at ways to get the most out of your tyres and what you can realistically expect before you need to change them.

Why Do My Tyres Wear Out So Fast?

As we have seen, there are lots of reasons for tyres to wear out. The good news is that replacements are pretty reasonably priced. Here are a few reasons why your tyres don’t last as long as you think they should: -

• Over/under inflation
• Poor quality tyres
• Erratic driving style
• High weekly mileage
• Your local climate

How Can I Prolong the Life of My Tyres?

The true answer?

It depends on several factors.

Unlike engine efficiency, tyres are subject to lots of different variables and conditions. Every individual’s drive is a little different, so there is no set data or metrics. If you drive in cold conditions, you’ll find that things like salt and ice can cause the rubber to degrade much more quickly.

Conversely, warmer climates also take their toll on your wheels as hot conditions allow the rubber to be more easily shed. 

Things such as the size and power of the car can also play a significant role. High-performance vehicles have greater torque and acceleration (hopefully with more powerful brakes too). Heavier vehicles exert a higher load on the tyre, both on the road and internal pressures.

However, while the above are all variables that we can’t control. We can do certain things, regardless of vehicle type, surface conditions, and what you drive. Here are 6 top tips to prolong your tyre life.

Keep Your Tyres at the Correct Pressure

Car tyres are designed with certain limitations in mind. If you are ignoring these limitations, you are going to severely limit the lifespan of your tyres.

Underinflated tyres are subject to a greater amount of wear. This video gives a great rundown (pun intended) of what happens to your tyres when you run them below the necessary pressure.

You might think that, conversely, over-inflating them will have the opposite effect. However, you’d be wrong. Adding too much air to your tyres will cause stress on the sidewalls and beading. This could lead to bulges, cracks and even a blowout.

Consult your vehicle owner’s manual or talk to a professional tyre company to find the right pressure.

Don’t Turn Whilst Stationary

We are all guilty of this one. You are trying to reverse into that tiny parking space, and you don’t want to waste room while moving and turning the wheel.

Here’s a great tip to maximise your tyre life.

Only turn the steering wheel when the car is in motion. By turning your wheels when you are at a standstill, you effectively give your tyres a good grating. When you consider that each wheel can have 400kg of pressure on such a small area, it is easy to see why this is harmful.

Avoid Fast Acceleration

Ok, it might be a hit boring, but every time you scream off at the lights, a little bit of your tyre dies. Well, perhaps that’s a bit dramatic? Ok, going faster wears your tyres out quicker. Not only are they abraded when you accelerate, but they reach higher temperatures at higher speeds.

The trick?

Smooth acceleration and driving slower will give you better tyre life.

Avoid Heavy Braking

Ok, there are times when you might have to brake hard, but generally, anticipate slowing down in advance. There’s no point hurtling towards standing traffic. The tyres are the only thing in contact with the road. The harder you brake, the more they wear out.

It’s that simple.

Choose Good Quality Tyres

Ever heard the saying ‘buy cheap, buy twice?

Ok, there are limits, but provided you pick a good quality tyre from a trusted source, you can expect longer life. A bargain basement tyre won’t last as long as something much higher quality. 

It is worth noting that ‘quality’ tyres can sometimes be cheap depending on the type you opt for. 

Storage and Sunlight

If you have the option, try and store your car somewhere that is out of direct sunlight.

UV rays can cause the rubber to degrade and crack quite quickly. This can lead to cracks and small tears that can get worse really quickly.

What state are your tyres in right now? Perhaps it’s time to check?

When Should I Replace my Tyres?

There are plenty of reasons to consider replacing your tyres. The first step is to inspect your tyres. What are your tyres telling you? You should consider replacing them for any of the following reasons: -

• Lumps or bulges in the sidewall
• If there are tears or cracks in the tyre
• They have gone flat for no reason
• You notice that you have a constant slow leak
• The tread is starting to become a little shallow
• You notice significant handling changes in your car

If in doubt, it may be worth speaking to a professional. Alternatively, you could consider replacing them with something new, then you’ve got nothing to worry about. Using the Motokiki website, you can find a range of tyres, reasonably priced, perfectly suited for your exact vehicle.