Five important things to know about your tyres

Tyres are an essential part of the car. Some would argue it is the most important aspect of the tyre, as the tyres are the only thing connecting your car to the tarmac road.

However, how well educated are you regarding tyres? From buying tyres, maintaining your tyres, to deciding when you need to change them, these all affect the overall road safety of the vehicle.

Here are answers to five key questions you will have about your tyres: 

1. Will tyres age over time? 

Of course, all things age over time. However, tyres remain fit for purchase and use if they are stored properly. Under proper conditions, tyres have an average shelf life of five to six years. To preserve the integrity of a tyre, it should be kept in optimal conditions, with minimal fluctuations in temperature, humidity and exposure to sunlight. If this isn't done properly, cracks may form on the rubber, which will compromise its performance over time. 

2. How do I buy the correct set of tyres? 

You should always refer to your car manual for optimal size recommendations. Also, select a tyre design suitable to your driving needs. Once you've made a choice, check the product for any defects. Of course, always read the warranty policies of the tyre manufacturers in case you face any issues after purchase. 

3. How should I take care of my tyres? 

On a regular basis (every two to four weeks), you should check your tyre pressures. Maintaining the correct tyre pressure ensures that your tyres are operating at optimal conditions, thus providing optimal performance and safety. Inspecting your tyre tread every month is also recommended, as tyre tread is a good indication of how much 'life' is left in them. Any potential problems that require professional intervention can also be spotted, such as cracks or slashes in the rubber.

Every 10,000km or six months, you should also rotate and balance your tyres, to ensure even wear across all four tyres. Finally, you should also check that your wheels are properly aligned according to your vehicle's recommended settings. Wheel alignment should be done every time your tyres are changed, as well as whenever any kind of adjustments are made to your car's suspension.

4. What's printed on tyres? 

All important information about a tyre can be found printed on its sidewall. The largest set of numbers and alphabets indicate several key information - width, aspect ratio, construction type, rim size, load index and speed index. Additional information include the maximum air pressure (indicated in PSI), as well as the date of manufacture (the last four digits indicate week and year). 

5. When do I know its time to change tyres? 

There are three main signs you should look out for. The most obvious one are Tread Wear Indicators (TWI). All tyres have TWI, bars that will gradually appear as the tread wears down. Once they are fully visible, it indicates that your tears have 1.6mm of tread depth remaining, and you should change them immediately.

Any obvious uneven wear on your tyres should also prompt you to change your tyres. Also, uneven wear usually indicates wheel misalignment, so you should go get your wheels aligned properly. Finally, any obvious signs of damage, like punctures, blisters or cracks, should immediately tell you that you need to replace the damaged tyre.

Ultimately, understanding the ins and outs of car tyres is extremely important as a driver. Beyond just knowing when to change your tyres and how to go about doing so, having a clearer understanding of tyres will also help you when dealing with the workshop and mechanic, making it less likely that they will try to pull a fast one on you.

The Tyre Don't Spoil campaign, headed up by the Singapore Motor Tyres Dealers Association, and sponsored by all the key tyre manufacturers, aims to provide drivers with various key information and tips regarding tyre care. From purchasing new tyres to tips on how to best maintain your tyres, the Tyre Don't Spoil campaign aims to better educate drivers on the importance on paying proper attention to their tyres.

To find out more, you can check out http://www.tyresdontspoil.com.