Guide to longer lasting tyres

Not looking after your tyres could cost you money – car tyres require regular maintenance to perform as they should. In our guide, we talk about how you can make your tyres last longer, so that you can save money in the long run.

The first step is ensuring you invest in the right tyres – you can choose from winter tyres, all season tyres or summer tyres. If you are driving a heavier vehicle, then you may want to purchase reinforced tyres. Its best to consult your vehicle handbook to find out which tyres are the right one for you.

Tyre maintenance

1. Check your tyre pressure – you should aim to check your tyre pressure at least once a month, as having overinflated or underinflated tyres could cause more damage to your tyres and even compromise your vehicle safety. Find the correct pressure for your car in your manufacturer guide.
2. Correct tyre alignment – driving through a pothole or hitting kerbs can cause your tyres to become misaligned. This can be detrimental as it causes a myriad of issues, including: uneven tyre wear, pulling to one side, wheel vibration and other problems. Having your wheels misaligned can cause danger to you and other road users.
3. Incorrect tyres – perhaps the biggest way to ensure your tyres can be properly maintained is ensuring you are using the all the same type of tyres on your car. They should be of the same season and ideally from the same manufacturer. Having mixed tyres increases your risk of danger and could impede vehicle safety.

Driving habits

The way you drive can also impact the longevity of your tyres – it’s important to correct any driving habits so your tyres can remain intact.

1. Avoid unnecessary scrapes – sharp pavement edges could result in damages to your tyres. Avoid mounting the kerb unless necessary, as not only can this damage your tyre, but it can also knock the wheels out of alignment.
2. Aggressive acceleration – braking sharply and taking corners at speed is dangerous and can lead to tyre wear.
3. Don’t overload your car – having unnecessary weight in your car can add strain on your tyres, causing them to wear unevenly. It's important to check your boot from time to time, just to ensure you are only carrying what you need. You can also check your vehicle handbook to find out how much weight your car can carry.

If your tyres are showing some signs of wear and tear, it may be time to get new ones. Visit your nearest Merityre Specialists to get fitted, or for more information, contact our helpful team today.