Your tyres are the only point of contact between your car and the road, which makes them a critical part of your vehicle's safety and performance. To keep your tyres grippy and roadworthy, checking and maintaining their condition regularly is key.
Proper tyre maintenance also helps avoid unexpected issues, like blowouts or poor fuel efficiency, which can save you money in the long run. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the key aspects of tyre checks, so you can hit the road with confidence.
What do the markings on my tyres mean?
If you’ve ever taken a close look at your tyres, you’ve probably noticed a series of numbers and letters printed along the sidewall. These markings provide crucial information about the tyre's size, capabilities, and performance.
For example, a common tyre marking might read “P195/65 R15 91H”. Here's what each part means:
- P: The type of vehicle (P - passenger / LT - light truck / M - motorcycle / T - temporary)
- 195: The width of the tyre in millimetres.
- 65: The aspect ratio, which is the height of the sidewall as a percentage of the width.
- R: Stands for radial construction, the most common type of tyre today.
- 15: The diameter of the wheel rim in inches.
- 91: The load index, indicating the maximum weight the tyre can support.
- H: The speed rating, showing the maximum speed the tyre can safely sustain.
Knowing these markings helps you ensure that any replacements or rotations match your car’s specifications for optimal performance and safety.
How to check your car tyre pressure
Maintaining proper tyre pressure is crucial for both safety and fuel efficiency. Under-inflated tyres can lead to poor handling and increased wear, while over-inflated tyres may reduce grip and make the ride uncomfortable.
Try to check your tyres when they’re cold or haven’t been driven on, because heat can increase your tyre pressure and leave you with an inaccurate reading. You can find air hoses with tyre pressure gauges at most service stations, or buy a pneumatic / mechanical gauge to use at home.
Here’s how to check your tyre pressure:
- Check your car manual or the tyre placard (usually found inside the driver’s door) to find the recommended tyre pressure for your vehicle.
- Unscrew the valve cap from your tyre, press the gauge firmly onto the valve, and take a reading.
- If the pressure is too low, inflate the tyre to the recommended level. If it’s too high, press on the metal pin in the tyre’s valve to release some air.
How to check if your tyres are worn out
Worn-out tyres reduce your car’s ability to grip the road, especially in wet conditions, and can increase stopping distances. The easiest way to check tyre tread wear is by using the tread wear indicators — small bars that run across the tread.
If the tread surface is worn down to the tread wear indicators, it’s time to replace your tyres. The legal minimum tread depth in NSW is 1.6mm, but replacing them before reaching this point ensures optimal performance and safety.
The 20 cent coin tyre tread wear test
If you’ve got some loose change handy, we’ve got a nifty hack for you. Insert a 20 cent coin into the tyre tread with the platypus's bill facing down. If the tread doesn’t reach the bill of the platypus, your tread is too worn and you’ll need to replace your tyre.
How to check your tyres for sidewall damage
There’s all kinds of debris and gravel on Aussie roads that can be rough on your tyres. Sidewall damage can occur from hitting curbs, potholes, or other road hazards, and it can compromise the structural integrity of your tyre and potentially cause a blowout.
To check for damage:
- Look closely at the sidewall for cracks, cuts, or bulges. Cracks are a sign of ageing, while bulges or cuts may indicate internal damage.
- Run your hand along the sidewall to feel for any irregularities.
- If you find any of these issues, have your tyre inspected by a professional.
Why do I need to rotate my car tyres?
Rotating your tyres helps even out wear across all four tyres, which improves handling and extends the lifespan of your tyres. Front and rear tyres wear differently due to weight distribution and the steering action on the front tyres. Regular rotation can prevent uneven wear patterns from developing.
Most manufacturers will include correct instructions to rotate tyres for each model in the owner’s manual. All you need to do is to get your car services according to schedule.
Regular tyre checks are an essential part of keeping your vehicle safe and roadworthy. By understanding tyre markings, maintaining proper pressure, monitoring tread wear, checking for sidewall damage, and rotating your tyres regularly, you can extend the life of your tyres and ensure a smooth, safe ride every time you’re on the road. If you’re after some more handy tips and tricks, check out our guide to replacing your windscreen wiper blades or changing your cabin air filter.
