When travelling on the highway, your only contact with planet earth is via 4 rubber tyre patches touching the road. Because tyres are crucial for road safety, it makes sense to look after them and know when you should buy new tyres for your car.1,2
The front tyres1
The front tyres do the most work with front-wheel-drive cars, including the steering and braking. As a result, they are the first to meet large pools of water on the road. It’s thus imperative that the tread and condition of those tyres are optimal for excellent braking and preventative aquaplaning.
How long does a tyre last?2
This isn’t easy to say because a tyre’s lifespan depends on many factors, such as the motorist’s driving style, weather, road conditions, and tyre make. Once tyres are 5 years old, they should be checked by a professional once a year. Once tyres, including the spare, are 10 years old, they should be replaced, despite looking great.
Have you checked the tyre tread lately? 1,2
According to Regulation 212 of the National Road Traffic Act, tyres may not have tread less than 1 mm deep. Not only do you risk receiving a large fine for having non-roadworthy tyres, but you may have issues with your insurer should you be involved in a car accident. Some tyres have marker indicators that show you when the tread depth of 1.6 mm has been reached. Also, look for uneven tread wear, which may mean the alignment and camber of the tyre are incorrect.
But what is a safe tread depth? 1
Besides the law, once a tyre tread depth of 2-3 mm has been reached, professionals view that such a tyre should be replaced. Remember, a new tyre has an 8-mm tyre tread depth.
Don’t forget the sidewalls of each tyre1
It’s essential to monitor the sidewalls regularly. Their structural integrity is easily compromised compared with the flat side of each tyre. For example, if a nail goes into the flat part of the tyre, it can be removed and repaired by a tyre dealer. But a nail or even a large thorn puncturing a tyre’s sidewall may mean you have to discard the tyre.
How to increase the tyres’ lifespan2
Looking after tyres would include keeping them at the correct tyre pressure and regularly checking their tread and alignment.
What to avoid1
Avoid speeding, fast stop-and-start driving, and going on bad road surfaces for the tyres’ well-being. If your car starts vibrating or makes a strange noise, immediately go for professional help. Never mix different tyre types, nor use incorrect wheel and trim sizes. If a tyre has been run flat, do not re-inflate it.
Tyres must be looked after so that they can provide you with safe driving. In the same way, car insurance is there to protect you from financial harm should your car be involved in an accident. Have you got car insurance cover, and is it enough? Contact PMD for more information on their affordable car insurance products with excellent benefits and world-class service.
Sources:
1https://www.news24.com/w24/PopCulture/Home/Cars/When-to-buy-new-tyres-for-your-car-20121025
2https://www.michelin.co.za/auto/tips-and-advice/advice-auto/when-should-i-change-my-tyres
This article was prepared by Eric Sandmann in his personal capacity. The views and opinions expressed in this article are the author’s own. The views and opinions in the article should not be attributed to anyone but the author unless expressly stated. Nothing in this article should be relied upon as advice, this publication is presented for informational purposes only. No person should act or refrain from acting in reliance on any information found in this article, without first obtaining proper financial advice from the appropriate professional. The author makes no claims, promises or guarantees about the accuracy, or completeness, of any information linked from, referred to, or contained in this article. The author reserves the right, to edit and change the content of this article.