How to get the most out of your car tyres

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by: Matt Robbins
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Word Count: 499
Date: Fri, 27 May 2011 Time: 10:52 AM
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Tyres are a vital part of any car in terms of efficiency and more importantly safety. Many people find that the outcome of a service or MOT finds that they need replacement car tyres, making the entire process much more costly. Worse than this, many of us have had the misfortune of becoming stranded with a flat tyre and having to call out a recovery rescue service. In order to avoid these issues, and make the most of your car's tyres read our quick tips below.

Invest in a premium brand
Buying inexpensive car tyres will save you money in the short term. But the tyres will wear out faster and need replacing more often than better quality, more expensive alternatives, so more premium brands of tyre may be an investment worth making. They are made of more durable material than cheaper alternatives. Incorrect or poorly manufactured car tyres can also affect your car's handling, which in turn can increase fuel consumption and will cost you more in the long term.

Tyre pressure

Any vigilant car owner regularly checks their tyre pressures, particularly before long journeys, and this is essential in maintaining good condition tyres. Underinflated tyres need more energy to roll and can damage the tread of the tyre. Keeping the pressures at the correct level can increase economy by up to 3.5%. In addition properly inflated tyres are a safety must as they are key to providing optimum levels of grip, so it's worth checking tyre pressure periodically.

Tyre shoes

If you know your car will be left standing for a long time there are steps you can take to ensure protection of the tyres. Without this tyres can develop 'flat spots' at the tread contact patch when standing, bearing the weight of the car for long periods. Tyre shoes are the term given to a product which each wheel is driven onto. They are made from solid rubber, shaped into a curve where the tyre meets it to ‘hold' the tyre in shape without flat spotting. Tyre shoes are commonly used by those who have a different car for winter and summer, to avoid a nasty surprise in terms of a flat tyre when the season changes and you come to get the car out of the garage.

Protect from UV light and Nourish

Another issue for those leaving cars to stand for a long time is that of the perishing of the sidewalls of the tyre. This is where the rubber becomes dry and brittle. To prevent this you must try to keep the car out of direct sunlight, use a car cover if the vehicle cannot be kept in a garage. In addition to this a rubber ‘feed' can be applied to the side walls of the tyre, which protects the rubber. This can be compared to applying moisturiser to your hands. However those applying the substance should be careful not to get it on the actual tyre tread as it could affect road handling.

About the Author

Matt Robbins - Online Manager of Halfords Autocentre (previously Nationwide Autocentre) have more ATA trained mechanics than any other independent garage group being the UK's leading provider of Tyres, MOT and repairs across the nation.
For all other enquiries, call 0800 096 4216.