Tyre Maintenance: How to Drive Effectively?
Tyres wear due to daily driving or weather and will start to deliver reduced performance and safety. Moreover, on-road conditions can also impact tyres and other connected components such as the suspension and wheels, making it difficult to drive on roads. Car owners can use a small tread depth instrument to inspect the condition of the tread. The minimum requirement for tread is 1.6 mm, and after that, the tyres need to be replaced. You can slow down the process of treadwear by improving your driving style or opting for regular maintenance service in short intervals. Also, it is advised to drive your car slowly over bumps, potholes, and uneven terrain to prevent compromising the structural integrity of your tyres.
Furthermore, the air pressure inside the tyre also plays a major role in the on-road performance and tyre longevity. If you don’t know the required air pressure. Then check the car manual or ask the technicians when you drive down for your regular air pressure test. A tyre with low air pressure will have more surface area when rolling and will increase wear and fuel consumption or lead to sudden blowouts. Some car owners only reduce the air pressure in winter conditions to get better handling. On the other hand, filling more than the required air inside your tyres will create extra tension on Roadstone Tyres Birmingham and provide an uncomfortable drive.
Regular Practices To Protect The Tyres
Tyre Rotation
Tyre rotation is an infrequent maintenance procedure in which the tyres fitted on your vehicle are interchanged among each other to get even wear. This is because the front tyres will wear off differently compared to back tyres. And a tyre rotation will ensure that all tyres equally wear off to provide a stable drive. Moreover, not rotating uneven tyres and driving with them for a long time will decrease the performance, safety and comfort. Also, the process ensures that you are not left with 2 good and 2 bad tyres on your car and all of them last equally.
Generally, it is recommended to get the car tyres interchanged after driving about 8000 km. There are specific patterns for tyre rotation if you have a four-wheel, all-wheel, or rear-wheel drive.
Even if you have performance or conventional tyres, the tyre rotation patterns are the same for all kinds of tyres apart from non-directional ones.
Tyre Rotation Pattern For Front Wheel Drive:
- For this drive type, the front tyres get switched with the back tyres of the same side.
- The back tyres of your car will be installed at the front, but on the opposite side than before. For instance, the back right tyre will come forward and become the front left tyre.
Tyre Rotation Pattern For Rear Wheel Drive:
- For this drive type, the back tyres are installed on the front, on the same side.
- The front tyres get fitted on the rear, but on the opposite side. For example, the front left tyre will be switched to the back right tyre.
Tyre Rotation Pattern For All-Wheel Drive:
- For this drive tyre, all the four tyres installed on your car need to be rotated in an X pattern. For example, the front right tyre gets switched with the back left tyre. And the back left tyre comes to the front right position. The same goes for the front left and back right tyre.
Wheel Alignment
Wheel alignment is an occasional automobile maintenance service conducted to ensure the tyres on your vehicle do not run to one side of the road when you are trying to steer in a straight line. Opting for a wheel alignment at the right time will maintain excellent control over your car and improve the tyre life.
The alignment contains adjusting or modifying the Camber, Caster and Toe angle. It is performed by adjusting these angles using advanced tools. And technology to ensure you get the best comfort and safety when driving.
Common Indications that you Require a Wheel Alignment Check
There are several signs to know if your car needs a wheel alignment service. Drive your vehicle down to a car repair centre to get the wheels inspected if you see any one of these signs:
- Car going adrift: Driving the car with faulty wheel alignment can lead to left or right pull while driving. Such a condition makes controlling your vehicle difficult and also raises the risk of accidents. Getting the alignment fixed promptly can also reduce the chances of further damage to different linked parts such as tyres and suspension.
- Premature wear on tyres: Conduct a visual inspection of your car tyres. Get a wheel alignment check if you notice only one side of car tyres are more worn off than the other. Uneven tyre wear is the most common sign of wrong wheel alignment. And fixing it quickly can help save your tyres from further damage.
Contact a tyres service provider today if you want more information about Car Tyres Birmingham.