With the many stresses of everyday life, keeping your tyres in good nick isn’t always the first thing on your mind—but it should be! Proper tyre care and maintenance will keep you safer on the road, as well as provide improved comfort and fuel efficiency. If you haven’t got a clue when it comes to tyres, but don’t want to head to your local mechanic every time your tyre pressure needs checking, we’re here to help. From making sure your tyres are roadworthy right through to a healthy tyre checklist, there are a number of things you should be doing to keep your them in tip-top condition.
Changing your tyre
![]](https://localtradespro.wpengine.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/flat-420x300.jpg)
It always pays to know how to change your tyre. If you’ve had an unfortunate incident and popped a tyre while driving, you don’t want to be paying an arm and a leg for roadside assistance if it can be avoided.
Click here for an in-depth guide to changing a flat tyre.
What do those numbers mean?
If you’ve always wondered what those little markings (i.e. P 195 / 60 R 15 94 H) on your tyres are, we’re here to help you better understand!
P – Passenger vehicle, depending on your car it could also have LT (light truck), M (motorcycle) or T (temporary)
195 – Width of your tyre measured in millimetres
60 – Aspect ratio, essentially it’s the ratio between the tyre’s width and height
R – Radial, it’s your tyre’s construction code (could also be D for diagonal)
15 – Total rim diameter
94 – Service description, has to do with the minimum force requirements your tyres can withstand when cornering, braking or accelerating
These numbers will better help you understand which tyres you need for your car if you’re going to shop around yourself. However, you should always refer back to the owner’s manual before making your final decision.
Check if your tyres are roadworthy
Checking to see if your tyres are roadworthy can take a matter of seconds. Every single tread on your tyre should be at least 1.5mm deep. You can check this easily by putting a 1.5mm mark on a coin and sticking it in every tread. If the mark is visible, your tread is too worn. Also, check for any cuts, bumps or bulges as this will render your tyres unroadworthy—which is not only unsafe but could result in a fine.
Getting the perfect pressure
You can check your tyre pressure at most petrol stations, but we suggest buying your own tyre pressure gauge for more reliable readings. To check, simply unscrew your air valve, push the gauge over the uncovered valve and look at the gauge for the meter reading. Check your owner’s manual to see the correct reading for your car.
Healthy tyre checklist
To ensure you’re staying on top of your tyres’ condition, you should perform the following tasks, as well as get your car serviced regularly.
1. Check tyre pressure weekly
2. Check tyres are roadworthy weekly
3. Rotate your tyres to even out tread (always check owners manual to see if this is possible for your car)
Need new tyres?
If you need help rotating your tyres or just want some new ones altogether, you should seek the help of a professional. We’ve featured a couple of Sunshine Coast mechanics who’ll be happy to help!
With more than 15 years’ experience in the industry, let the capable team at Tyre Busters take care of all your tyre and auto needs. If it’s new tyres, spare parts or accessories you’re after, they have all the big-name brands including Bosch, Bendix, Valvoline, Dayco and more. Perhaps you just need a general service or mechanical repair? If it’s car related, the hardworking team at Tyre Busters will make sure your vehicle is looked after.
Where: 2 Killick St Kunda Park QLD 4556
When’s the last time you had your car serviced? Don’t take any chances and let the trustworthy team at Healy’s Tyre and Mechanical take a look under the hood. They are proficient in a range of services, from logbook servicing and safety certificates right through to tyre sales, repairs and more! If you want to keep your car on the road for longer, stop off and say hello to friendly staff at Healy’s Tyre and Mechanical
Where: 5 Windsor Rd Nambour QLD 4560
Find a local mechanic near you in the Sunshine Coast.
