How much tread do your tyres need? We talk tyre tread, alignments, flats, and more to bring you all the answers.

Tyres are the equivalent of a pair of shoes. When our shoes are too big or too small, we end up with blisters and sore feet. We need to find the right fit to get the most out of every step we take. And after many happy kilometres, they are retired and replaced with a pair that will continue to support our step-goals. But how do you know when your car needs a new pair of shoes?

We asked the experts over at Tiger Wheel & Tyre to give you the low-down on checking the state of your tyres.

Inflate your tyre knowledge:

Tyre tread – What is the optimal thickness for your tyres?

By law, the tread on tyres must be at least 1mm deep across the tyre's entire width over the full circumference of the tyre – this is the legal limit, but 1,6 mm is safer.

Wheel alignments – How often should your wheels be aligned and why?

Wheel alignment is recommended after every 10,000km or after a sudden impact. The purpose of a wheel alignment is to prevent uneven tyre wear.

A running flat – What are they and how far can we go?  

Run-flat tyres offer the benefit of allowing you to continue driving after a puncture, giving you the opportunity to get to a fitment centre or find a safe, level area to change your tyre. You can't drive on them indefinitely, though.

Spare wheels – The ‘biscuit’ spare tyre

Space saver or “biscuit” tyres take up less room inside the vehicle, weigh less and are more fuel efficient. However, there is a downside – they are smaller, facilitate shorter driving distances and limit your maximum speed to a recommended 80 km/h. This seems impractical for drivers who frequent rural and remote areas because the much narrower tyre tread will impact vehicle handling.

The recommended tyre pressure for your vehicle.

It is important that you follow the recommended tyre pressure as stipulated by your vehicle manufacturer. This ensures that your tyres are correctly inflated, which may prolong the life of your tyres.  On newer cars, the recommended tyre pressure is most commonly listed on a sticker inside the driver's door. If there's no sticker on the door, you can usually find the specs in the owner's manual.

Choosing the right tyre for you (what tyres does your car need?)

Multiple factors should be considered when selecting a tyre that’s right for your vehicle. From OE, or Original Equipment tyres, which are tyres that your vehicle manufacturer recommends, to your average distances travelled, your driving style, your budget, and the purpose of your vehicle (commercial or recreational). Visit Tiger Wheel & Tyre where a team of experts will help you find the tyre that’s right for you and your vehicle!

 

Knowing how to properly care for your tyres extends their lifespan and adds to the kilometres you share with them.

Just like Tiger Wheel & Tyre, dotsure.co.za is passionate about keeping your wheels moving. Did you know that Gold Club members get a discount on tyres when they deal with Tiger Wheel & Tyre?

Wishing you many happy and safe kilometres.