As one of the most important parts of your car, bus, truck, trailer or caravan, you should make sure you are familiar with tyre care and maintenance tips to keep you travelling smoother for longer.
Learn how to make your tyres last longer in just five simple steps.
1. Check tyre pressures
Tyre pressure is one of the most prominent factors in premature tyre wear.
Your tyres are designed to hold a certain number of pounds per square inch which is why if you drive with too much or too little pressure in your tyres, you will likely experience a reduction in the lifespan of your tyres.
If you drive regularly without the recommended amount of tyre pressure, you will also chew through a lot more fuel at an accelerated rate.
That’s why checking your tyre pressure and applying the right amount is one of the most important truck tyre maintenance tips and why you should make it a habit to check your tyre pressure at least once a month.
Checking your tyre pressure is basic maintenance and should be done regularly.
You can use the Australian Tyre & Rim Association Standards Manual for the correct tyre load and tyre pressure requirements for each requirement.
2. Inspect and check the tread depth
It is inevitable that rubber tyres will wear over time which is why it’s so important for every motorist to monitor their tread depth.
You should regularly check the tread depth, the sidewalls and the tyre construction for cracks, splits, damage and wear.
Uneven wear can be caused by:
Incorrect wheel alignment settings or adjustment
Incorrect tyre pressures
Worn or loose steering/suspension wheel-end components, drag link, tie rod end, tie rod bar, steering box or rack, shocks, pitman arm, steering arm, relay rods, spring pins and bushes etc
Incorrect drive alignment (rear diff) – causing tracking wear on front tyres
Incorrect loading of axles, changing the centre of gravity of the vehicle (i.e. fluid tankers or bulk transport)
Incorrect tyre for the application
Incorrect tyre beading – truck tyres should be doubled beaded to ensure the most accurate fitment – it will balance up better and require less weight/beads to balance, it will also decrease the harmonics in the sidewall and tread
3. Check all tyres regularly
If uneven wear is present, you should have your steering, suspension and brakes checked for any worn components.
Diagnoses should be made only by your trusted mechanic to ensure the issue is properly resolved.
4. Check the age of your tyres
Make sure you’re familiar with the age of your tyres and when they will need replacing.
To do so, look for DOT on your tyre and the four-digit Tyre Identification Number.
The first two digits will tell you which week of the year the tyre was made and the last two digits tell you the year.
For example, DOT1020 would mean the tyres were made in the tenth week in 2020.
Typically, most people require new tyres every five years, however, it is dependent on your driving habits.
5. Have your wheel alignment & tyre pressures checked and tyres rotated regularly
Wheel alignments are designed to ensure your tyres make contact with the road in the best way possible.
Without regular wheel alignments, you will chew through a lot more fuel and wear your tyres unevenly which can eventually lead to potentially dangerous consequences.
A good rule of thumb is to have your tyres rotated every time you change your vehicle’s oil.
Remember also that different roads and or load conditions may require different pressures and you will need to adjust them accordingly.
The five above simple checks can save you lots of dollars in the long run. So, remember to always consult a qualified mechanic/wheel aligner/tyre specialist and don’t risk your family or your own safety.
Be responsible and make sure you have your vehicle inspected and checked regularly.
Extend the life of your car, bus, truck, trailer or caravan tyres and talk to the trusted experts at Big Wheels Truck Alignment for additional tyre care and maintenance tips.