How to Maintain and Care for Summer Tyres

 

Proper upkeep and maintenance of summer tyres is an important safety measure, promotes optimal performance and extends the life of tyres. Summer tyres use special tread patterns and rubber compounds to promote maximum grip, handling, and stopping ability on warm, dry or wet surfaces. However, hot weather and road conditions require additional vigilance. Here are the important advice and guidelines to maintain and care for the summer tyres Redcar.

Check Tyre Pressure Monthly

Regular maintenance of tyre pressure is essential to tyre health and vehicle safety. Tyre pressure should be checked at least once a month, and before long trips, preferably with cold tyres. Overinflated and underinflated tyres can all lead to uneven wear, poor handling, increased fuel consumption, and the possibility of tyre damage. Check the manufacturer's recommended tyre pressure, found either on the door jamb of the driver's side door or in the owner's manual.

Observe Tread Depth and Wear Patterns

Tread depth is important for maintaining grip and traction, especially on wet roads. Make a habit of examining the tread wear of your car's tyres to ensure they are above the legal minimum (typically, 1.6 mm) and for uneven wear patterns that could indicate alignment or suspension problems. If car tyres are wearing unevenly, this diminishes the lifespan of the tyre and can be a safety issue. The penny test is an easy way to check tyre tread depth as a DIY measure.

Change Tyres Regularly

Tyre rotations help address the uneven wear across all tyres and help them last longer over time. A good rule of thumb for recommended tyre rotation for summer tyres is every 8,000 to 10,000 kilometres, or by the vehicle manufacturer's recommendation. This ensures that the handling and traction of the vehicle will be even across all four tyres.

Check Wheel Alignment and Balance

Unbalanced or misaligned tyres cause uneven tread wear, and they may compromise both comfort and stability. Make sure to have your car's wheel alignment and balance checked regularly, every 6 months, or more often if you experience pulling to one side, vibrations, or uneven tyre wear. Keeping tyres aligned allows for the front or rear tyres to wear evenly, allowing for handling to be predictable.

Practice Gentle Driving Habits

Aggressive driving behaviours, such as rapid acceleration, hard braking, and cornering quickly, tend to generate excessive heat in tyres, which causes tyres to wear out more quickly than they otherwise would if driven more gently. Driving gently and anticipating stops can reduce the stress and heat in the tyres. Avoid overloading the vehicle, as excessive weight will increase the stress on the tyres and potentially cause faster damage.

Keep Tyres Clean and Protected

Through everyday use, dirt, debris, and exposure to ultraviolet rays can break down the rubber. Regular cleaning of tyres, and the occasional application of a tyre protectant or wax, will help tyres stay supple and prevent the rubber from cracking or drying. When tyres are clean, it is also easier to inspect for any signs of cuts, bulges, or foreign objects lodged in the tyre, which may cause it to puncture.

Check and Replace Tyre Valve and Caps

Tyre valves and caps are responsible for preventing air loss while also keeping dirt and moisture out. Examine valve stems and caps for damage, and if you notice they are damaged or missing caps, replace them to help maintain consistent tyre pressure. A damaged valve will cause the tyre to slowly lose air and lead to unexpected deflation after some time on the road.

Store Off-Season Tyres Correctly

If you change from summer tyres to winter or all-season tyres, make sure to store the off-season set in a dry, clean and cool space that gets no direct sunlight or heat. Correct storage avoids premature ageing of the tyres and helps to maintain the integrity of the tyres for the next season.

Regularly Scheduled Professional Checks

Take your Car tyres Redcar, to a trusted mechanic or tyre specialist at least once a year for thorough checks of tread, pressure, alignment, and overall condition and health of your car tyres. Professional checks are beneficial to identify potential damage not visible from casual inspection.

Conclusion

Maintenance of the summer tyres is, at a minimum, regular checks of tyre pressures, tread and wear observations, rotation, careful driving, washing, and professional checks. If you follow this regime, you will have fewer issues while driving and increased longevity of your car tyres. It's that straightforward! This not only helps you get the best performance in hot weather, but also minimises your chance of blowouts, and in fact helps you save on fuel costs. These simple routines can provide you with ease of mind while driving this summer and reduce your risk of excessive costs. If you follow this routine, ultimately you will get the best summer motoring possible in a smooth, safe, cost-effective manner.