Top Tire Tips

Tire pressures should be checked when they are cold to get an accurate reading.

1. All tires deflate slowly over a period of time, so tire pressure should be checked every 2-3 weeks.

2. Tire pressure should only be checked when cold. The recommended tire pressure for your vehicle is listed on a decal, usually on the inside of the driver's door.

3. Although the minimum tread size required for a vehicle to be roadworthy is 1.6mm, it is wise to change tires at 2mm as wet grip is reduced when there is little tread.

4. To check tread depth, insert a match head into the grooves of the tread, and if any part of the head protrudes above the grooves, it's time to replace the tire. Tread depth maps are also available for free at your local Bob Jane T-Mart.

5. Check your tires regularly for wear, such as rips or dents in the sidewalls, and for stuck objects such as nails or stones, as these can cause a puncture.

6. To keep water and dirt out of the tire valves, replace any missing tire valve caps.

7. Regular wheel balancing keeps the tires running smoothly on the road, which helps improve vehicle handling, especially on wet roads.

8. Alignment and wheel rotation increase the life of your tires by ensuring they wear evenly.

9. Pick up the same tire treads on the same axle. Different brands grip differently, which can cause handling issues if they don't match.

10 And most importantly with all these checks... Don't forget the spare tire!