Most of us don’t give our tyres a second thought until there’s a puncture, or we’re sliding about in the rain. But your car’s tyres do a lot more than just keep you rolling. They’re critical for grip, handling, braking, and overall safety — especially on busy UK roads where conditions can change quickly. Order car tyres online from Dexel Tyre & Auto Care if your current ones are past their best, but more importantly, learn how to look after the ones you already have.
Start with a visual inspection
It sounds basic, but a quick walkaround can reveal quite a lot. Look for anything out of the ordinary: bulges, deep cuts, uneven wear, embedded objects like nails or glass. If your tyre looks distorted in any way, don’t ignore it — it could be hiding internal damage.
Also check the tread depth. The legal minimum in the UK is 1.6mm, but most experts recommend changing tyres when they drop below 3mm for better wet-weather performance. Use the 20p test: insert a 20p coin into the tread groove — if the outer rim is still visible, it’s time to think about a replacement.
Check your tyre pressure monthly
Underinflated tyres are one of the most common and easily avoidable issues. They affect fuel economy, braking distances, and can even cause blowouts if left too long. Overinflated tyres aren’t much better — they can lead to poor handling and uneven wear.
The correct pressure for your car will usually be found inside the driver’s door frame or in your vehicle manual. Use a decent gauge or a digital pump, and check the pressure when tyres are cold for an accurate reading. Don’t rely solely on garage forecourt machines — some of them can be wildly off.
Don’t overlook wheel alignment
If your car’s pulling slightly to one side, or if the steering feels off, your wheel alignment could be out. Misalignment can cause your tyres to wear unevenly and shorten their lifespan considerably. Hitting potholes, mounting kerbs, or driving over rough roads can all throw the alignment off.
A garage can do a quick alignment check, often while you wait. It’s worth having it looked at annually, or sooner if you notice anything unusual in your handling.
Balance matters too
Unbalanced wheels can cause vibrations, especially at higher speeds. This not only makes for an uncomfortable ride but can put extra strain on suspension components. Over time, it leads to faster tyre wear and higher repair bills.
Balancing is usually done when you get new tyres fitted, but if you’ve noticed shaking in the steering wheel or a slight wobble while driving, get it checked. It’s a relatively inexpensive fix that can make a big difference.
Rotate tyres for even wear
Front tyres typically wear out faster than the rear ones because they handle most of the steering and braking. Rotating your tyres — swapping the front and rear — every 5,000 to 8,000 miles can help them wear more evenly. Not all cars are the same, though, especially if yours has different-sized front and back wheels, so always check your vehicle manual or ask a tyre specialist.
Keeping the wear consistent means you won’t be caught out with a pair of completely bald tyres while the others still have life left in them.
Watch for tyre age
Even if your tyres still have decent tread left, age can be a hidden danger. Rubber degrades over time, especially when exposed to sun, heat, and road chemicals. Cracks can develop in the sidewall, making tyres more prone to failure.
A good rule of thumb is to replace tyres that are over six years old, regardless of mileage. You can check the age of your tyres by looking for the DOT code on the side — the last four digits tell you the week and year the tyre was manufactured (e.g. 2319 means the 23rd week of 2019).
Don’t forget the spare
If your car has a spare tyre (many newer models don’t), make sure it’s properly inflated and in good condition. A flat or damaged spare won’t be any help when you actually need it. The same goes for space-savers — check the pressure regularly, and know the speed limitations if you ever have to use one.
Small checks, big impact
A few simple habits — regular pressure checks, monthly visual inspections, occasional rotations — can go a long way towards keeping your tyres in top shape. It doesn’t take much effort, but it can make a huge difference when it comes to stopping distances, avoiding breakdowns, and staying safe in wet or icy conditions.
Think of tyre maintenance as part of your overall driving responsibility. It’s not just about prolonging the life of your tyres — it could well save your own life, too.
