Car tyres are expensive, so it pays to look after them. But not only is maintaining your car tyres essential for safety – it also makes for a better drive.

Follow these simple steps to make your tyres last longer, while improving the performance and safety of your car.

Tyre pressure and spare tyre

Check that all your tyres, including the spare, have the correct tyre pressure. Under-inflated tyres are the cause of poor steering and braking performance. This leads to irregular wear that quickly reduces the life of your tyres, and increases the chance of a blowout.

On the other hand, over-inflation reduces the amount of tyre that’s in contact with the road, reducing the braking ability and performance of your car.

So the correct pressure is vital. Check your car’s handbook for the recommended tyre pressure, and make it a habit to check them on a regular basis.

Wheel balance

Unbalanced wheels cause the steering wheel to wobble at higher speeds. Improperly balanced wheels can also cause problems with suspension and braking performance.

Incorrect wheel balance is corrected by small weights attached to the rim of the wheel. As your tyres wear they naturally become unbalanced as the weight distribution within the tyre changes. Hitting a pothole or a kerb can also cause your tyres to lose balance.

Get your tyres checked and balanced every 6 to 12 months.

Wheel alignment

Wheel alignment involves adjusting the suspension of the car – not the tyres. Poor wheel alignment causes wear on different parts of your tyres, depending on how badly the tyres are misaligned. It can also cause steering problems, and you’ll find yourself having to continually compensate the steering while driving.

Your wheels should be checked for alignment every 6 to 12 months.

Tyre rotation

Front and back tyres will wear at different rates and positions, so regular tyre rotation will extend the life of the tyres. Tyres should be rotated as part of your regular service.

Tightness of wheel nuts

Check on a regular basis that your wheel nuts are tight. Incorrect tension can cause problems with wheel balancing.

Tyre type

It is important to have the same type of tyres on all wheels of your car. Tyres have different patterns, density and wear characteristics. Having different models and makes of tyres on your car can cause problems with wheel alignment and difficulties with automatic traction control.

Check for nails

A common reason for tyre replacement is nails puncturing the tyre. Whilst nails often do not cause immediate deflation, a slow leak will cause irregular wear and the need for the tyre to be replaced. If detected early, nails can be easily repaired by a qualified tyre fitter.

To find out more about caring for your tyres, contact your local tyre dealer or motor mechanic.