What do tyres do?
Good tyres are designed to ensure safe handling and the best possible grip on the road.
Tyre tread disperses any water on the road to ensure safe handling when stopping, turning, accelerating and cornering. They can also improve fuel efficiency and some reduce road noise too.
Poor wheel alignment or balancing, different tyre sizes or unequal tyre pressures all effect cornering, handling, braking distance, fuel efficiency and overall safety of the car. They may mean that your tyres only have partial contact with the road.
These problems are serious but we can repair them all! Our HOFFMAN machines reference the front and rear wheels simultaneously and can detect set back, incorrect thrust angle and steering centre problems.
ABCs of tyre maintenance
Many things can be done to increase the life of your tyres. Check out our short list below and call our staff today to see how we can help you:
- Align wheels to improve tyre wear, fuel efficiency, stability
- and performance. This should be done at least once a year.
- Balance wheels for smooth driving and even tyre wear.
- Correctly inflate your tyres; check the pressure fortnightly or monthly and before long trips.
- Drive safely, avoiding road hazards as much as possible.
- Ensure consistency between all tyre types and sizes.
- Frequently check for tyre damage like cracks and punctures.
- Get new tyres when the tread reaches 1.5mm or earlier.
- Have your tyres rotated every 7,000 – 10,000km.
Do my tyres need replacing?
In New Zealand tyre tread has a minimum legal depth of 1.5mm. If your tread is at this point your tyres must be replaced. Road contact significantly decreases when the tread depth is less than 3mm so it is advisable to replace tyres earlier than 1.5mm.
Measure your tyre tread or check the moulded tread indicators to find out when yours need replacing.
Tyres also need replacing if the tread or sidewalls are cracked, bubbling, bulging or pierced and irreparable.
