The tyre's service life is determined by a number of factors, such as inflation pressure, wheel alignment and speed.
High-quality tyres can last up to five or even ten years. Tyres that are of questionable quality generally don't last more than a few years. High external temperature and high humidity shorten tyre life. In order to keep your tyres in good shape for as long as possible, make sure they are regularly inflated and checked for wear. In addition to well-maintained storage conditions, you can also take care of the quality of your own tyres by observing the following rules:
The inflation pressure should be checked at least once a month.
Periodically do car tyre maintenance for signs of wear or damage.
Do not exceed a tyre speed limit indicated on the sidewall of your new tyres.
Do not rotate front tyres from side to side.
Avoid aggressive cornering.
You should change your tyres when they reach the end of their service life, as this will improve your car's safety and reduce fuel consumption.
If you drive about 12,000 km a year, tyre replacement is recommended after 5 years for all-season tyres for a regular passenger vehicle. Remember that this service life is calculated under optimal conditions, i.e. according to standard procedures adopted in tyre production plants. If you want to get maximum mileage from your tyres, make sure they are checked regularly for wear, correct air pressure and signs of damage or ageing, and if necessary have them repaired or replaced with a spare wheel by an authorised retailer at the first sign of problems.There are various types of treads to choose from.
Ultra-low profile tyres have a narrow tread pattern, which reduces the tyre's rolling resistance and results in improved fuel economy. This kind of tyre technology is often used in city cars. They consist of many thin layers, so they do not last very long and having a spare tyre is necessary.
Low-profile tyres have a wide tread that increases the contact area between the tyre and the road surface, thus improving traction and stability - this makes them suitable for performance vehicles under extreme conditions. This type of tyre is made up of many layers as well, so their service life is significantly shorter compared to other types of wheels.
High-performance tyres are designed for high speeds. Their construction combines different types of thread to make them light and resistant. These tyres are also suitable for wet and colder temperatures.
All-weather tyres are designed for use in both winter and summer; they provide good traction both on dry roads and in the rain, which allows drivers to stay safe all year round. This makes them particularly popular with motorists living in regions that experience only mild winters.
The tread is the part of the tyre that comes into contact with the road and provides traction and lateral stability.
There are several types of tread depth designs, listed below.Tread patterns are divided according to their function into summer tyres, all-season and winter tyres. There are also specialised tyres for specific weather conditions, i.e., rain, ice or snow. Tread patterns may vary within a single model's range depending on its intended use.
A blocking pattern, designed to increase braking distances.
An open bitumen pattern.
Sipes are slits cut into the tread blocks to improve grip on wet surfaces.
Ribs are parts of the block reinforcing structure intended for off-road use.
The tyre's service life is determined by a number of factors, such as inflation pressure, wheel alignment and speed. It is important to keep the right inflation pressure because it reduces fuel consumption and increases load capacity, which also affects how long tyres last. Keeping the correct pressure in your tyres may not prevent wear completely - but with low inflation tyre pressure, you will get additional problems like poor grip and increased noise. Poor driving habits like driving quickly on poorly-maintained road conditions can damage tyres' sidewalls or treads; the car's suspension and other original equipment may also be damaged. A sudden change of driving style (accelerating and braking suddenly) makes the tyre deteriorate faster; higher speeds over rough surfaces cause vibrations that shorten tyre life; driving with flat spots on your tyres can cause them to wear down more quickly.
The most important thing is to check the set of tyres regularly. When they become level with the bottom of their grooves, your tyres should be replaced as they wear evenly to a dangerous extent.
Most tyre manufacturers offer two-year, three-year or four-year warranties as a sign of long life. The length of the warranty depends on the size of the tyre and its speed rating. To check the speed rating on your tyres, just look for a number in the size specification on one of the walls. The markings also indicate the load which helps limit improper loading.
Tyres wear down, so their service life is limited. It's important to use high-quality equipment and follow some simple rules on how to protect them from damage:
Follow your car's manual recommendation for inflation pressure.
Drive economically and avoid harsh acceleration and sudden braking.
Reduce speed before going over a bump or a pothole.
Do not drive with low pressure.
Check for correct PSI on the driver's door before you inflate your tyres.
Make sure the valve caps are secure.
Summer, all-season and winter tyres offer a variety of solutions for drivers in different regions. Each type has its own properties, designed to provide the best grip on a specific type of road surface or weather conditions, but still provide traction on all types of surfaces at any time during the year.
Demand for multi-purpose tyres is increasing as car manufacturers work to improve comfort by reducing vibrations from bumps and potholes while also improving grip. This means motorists need to pay more attention when choosing suitable models as they can't assume that one tyre will suit all their needs. New car tyres with low-speed ratings are generally less durable as they have reduced sidewall durability, which means it is more susceptible to damage from off-road use or from hitting road obstacles. Need to get rid of old tyres? The New South Wales Department of Planning, Industry and the Environment has a handy guide.