Tyre Care and Checks Mean Safer Driving

Maintaining, and regularly inspecting your vehicle's tyres is crucial for safe driving, as they are the only point of contact between your car and the road. Tyres that are not properly looked after can lead to accidents, which could potentially jeopardise the safety of you and your passengers.

Tyres that are worn out, damaged, or not properly inflated can significantly compromise your vehicle's handling, stability, and braking performance. This can lead to a loss of control, longer stopping distances, reduced traction, and an increased risk of accidents.

Regular tyre care and maintenance may include checking tyre pressures, and tread depths, scheduling tyre rotations, and ensuring your vehicle has had a wheel alignment performed at recommended intervals. Checking your tyres are in good condition helps with fuel efficiency, and extends the lifespan of your tyres, saving you money in the long run.

Risks of Neglecting Tyres

Neglecting the condition of your tyres can potentially lead to risks that can compromise your safety and the safety of others on the road. Some of the most significant risks may include:

Increased Risk of Accidents

Damaged or worn-out tyres can lead to loss of control, skidding, and longer stopping distances, which can increase the risk of accidents.

Reduced Handling and Stability

If your tyres are misaligned or not properly inflated, it can lead to compromised handling and stability, which can make your vehicle unpredictable in the event of an incident.

Poor Braking Performance

Tyres in poor condition can result in reduced braking performance, which, as a result, increases the time it takes for your car to come to a complete stop.

Decreased Fuel Economy

When your tyres are underinflated, their rolling resistance increases, which can raise fuel consumption and, therefore, reduce fuel efficiency. In other words, if your tyre pressures are below their optimal level, the greater the rolling resistance will be.

Shortened Tyre Lifespan

The lifespan of your tyres can be significantly reduced if their maintenance is neglected. This can result in the need for more frequent replacements and additional expenses.

Regular Tyre Check and Maintenance

Regular tyre maintenance is important to keep your tyres in top condition. If you notice something is wrong with your vehicle’s tyres, you should contact Tyrepower Busselton for a free tyre check.

Our team of technicians and mechanics is certified to provide maintenance and repair services for all types of vehicles, from routine servicing to complex mechanical repairs.

Regular tyre maintenance may include the following:

Tyre Pressure Check

Close-up of a hand holding a pressure gauge for car tyre pressure measurement.

Your tyres should be inflated to your vehicle manufacturer's recommended pressures. It’s important to check the pressure of your tyres at least once a month or before long road trips.

Tyre Tread Depth Inspection

Mechanic checking tyre tread depth in a maintenance service centre

Tyre tread depths are regularly measured by using a depth gauge, which you can get at any auto parts store, to ensure they are within the legal limit, which in Australia is a minimum of 1.5mm. If the tread depth is too low, consider replacing your tyres.

You can perform a visual check on the tread depth of your tyres by looking at what’s called a ‘tread depth bar’, which is a slight bump in the rubber located in the tyre’s grooves. If you can’t see the tread depth bar, you could simply get a 20-cent coin and place it into one of the central circumferential grooves of your tyre.

Wheel Alignment

Misaligned wheels can lead to uneven tyre wear and poor handling. Have your wheels aligned periodically or when you notice uneven tyre wear.

It’s recommended a wheel alignment every 10,000 km or a regular 6-month check to increase the lifespan of your tyres. A regular wheel alignment service will increase your safety, maximise the life of your tyres and improve fuel economy

Tyre Rotation

Tyre rotation involves moving the wheels and tyres from one position to another to make sure your tyres are wearing evenly and extending their lifespan.

There are other actions you can take that will help keep your tyres in good condition, including the following:

Drive carefully by avoiding sudden braking or acceleration and taking curves at a reasonable speed to minimise stress on your tyres.
Avoid overloading your vehicle, as it can put extra pressure on your tyres, leading to premature wear and tear.
Store your tyres properly in a cool, dry place away from sunlight and chemicals.

Keep Your Tyres Safe with Tyrepower Busselton

At Tyrepower Busselton, we specialise in tyre fitting and wheel alignments. If your tyres are damaged or worn out, it's recommended to have them checked by our professional mechanics. Give us a call on (08) 9752 4333 or visit our tyre shop located at 2 Harris Road, Busselton.