HOW TO CARE FOR YOUR TYRES

Caring for your tyres is straightforward. With a few simple techniques you can increase the life of your tyres, improve the safety and performance of your vehicle, and ultimately, save money. RoadX has developed a four-point tyre optimization checklist.

  1. Wheel Alignment

You can easily check your wheel alignment when driving. If your car is pulling to one side then your tracking or wheel alignment is probably incorrect. Wheel alignment problems often occur when you run over something with force, such as a kerb or rock. Incorrect wheel alignment causes your tyres to wear on one side. And if you notice tyres wearing on one side then you should immediately have your tracking realigned. Most mechanics can do this quickly and easily. Poor wheel alignment increases rolling resistance on the road and can affect handling and safety. Proper wheel alignment extends the life of your tyres.

  1. Wheel Balancing

When you turn the wheel the weight of your vehicle should be evenly balanced. Wheels that are incorrectly balanced produce vibration, especially at high speed. A common sign is that the steering wheel starts wobbling when you are driving above a certain speed. This often makes

driving uncomfortable. Proper wheel balance results in a smoother drive. It also helps the tyres

wear evenly, which increases their life.

  1. Tyre Rotation

Tyres will wear differently dependent on where they are fitted on your car. Front tyres usually wear quicker than rear tyres as they have to do more work. If your wheel alignment or wheel

balancing has been off then your tyres will have worn unevenly in different places.

By rotating your tyres regularly you can even out the wear across all your tyres. Common best practice is to rotate your tyres every 6 months or every 10000 kilometers, whichever

comes first. Proper tyre rotation can extend the life of your tyres by up to 12,000 kilometers!*

Tyre rotation involves removing every tyre and refitting it in a different position. Where you rotate them to depends on your vehicle.

Preferred Rotation Patterns

Front-Wheel Drive

• Front tyres: Move to rear and keep on the same side.

• Rear tyres: Move to front and switch sides.

Rear-Wheel Drive

• Front tyres: Move to rear and switch sides.

• Rear tyres: Move to front and keep on the same side.

Four-Wheel Drive

• Front tyres: Move to rear and switch sides.

• Rear tyres: Move to front and switch sides.

4. Storing Tyres

Tyres naturally wear when they are fitted to your vehicle. You don’t want your tyres to wear any further when they are not being used.

• Before removing tyres note their position on your car. Then you can rotate them when they are refitted.

• Remove any stones or debris embedded in the tread.

• Sprinkle water to clean your tyres from any mud or solid

• Make sure the storage space is clean from grease, petrol or solvents.

• Keep your tyres away from direct sunlight or sources of heat, like pipes and generators.

• Do not stack tyres over long periods and don’t crush them under heavy objects.

• A cool, clean, dry and covered storage space is optimal.