How to extend the lifespan of your tyres?

5 tips for tyre use / maintenance

Tyres wear out. That is a fact. Even Vredestein tyres do not have eternal life. There are many factors that accelerate the wear of a car's tyres, but luckily there are some simple tricks that can extend their lifespan.  

 Under normal circumstances, the lifespan of a car tyre is quite long (depending on the use). But with the following tips for proper use, chances are high that their lifespan can be increased without naturally reducing the performance and thus the safety they provide.  

Reasons for rapid tyre wear

Over time, tyres wear down as you drive. The causes of tyre wear can be many, such as incorrect inflation pressure, potholes in the road surface, or the road surface in general. For instance, tests have shown up to 35% more wear can happen between two different types of asphalt. In addition, climate and high weight are also responsible for faster tyre wear. The above reasons, and even more, can ultimately lead to faster tyre wear. Nevertheless, the most important reason is always the driving behavior of the driver!

1. Frequent pressure checks 

The easiest way to ensure the longevity of your car tyres is, without a doubt, frequent inspection. The golden rule of every visit to a petrol station (ideally once a month) is to check all four tyres for the correct inflation pressure. It has been tested that 20% lower inflation pressure than recommended can result in 30% more tyre wear. It is also recommended that you accompany your visit with a tyre pressure check, as the right pressure can prevent premature wear and increased fuel consumption. 

2. Wheel alignment 

Correct wheel alignment will prevent faster and uneven wear of the tyre and therefore extend its life. Misalignment of the wheels on the car's suspension can cause excessive friction with the road surface, causing a dramatic reduction in tyre life. For this reason, we recommend that you check the alignment of your wheels at least once a year.

3. Change tyres 

Apollo Vredestein recommends changing the tyres position between the 7.500km and 10.000km from rear to front and the other way around occasionally for the most general cars. Over time, uneven wear will be observed between the tyres mounted on the front and rear axles. This is not due to any malfunction but because the front and rear wheels, in most cases, exert different forces. The front wheels do the demanding work of steering, turning, accelerating, and braking the car, and therefore sacrifice several millimeters of tread in the long run. 

4. Driving habits 

For obvious reasons, the way one drives has a direct impact on the wear of the tyres and it is considered the most common reason for tyre wear. This includes speed, fast acceleration, cornering, and heavy braking. Therefore, by maintaining a more defensive stance and avoiding excesses, the rate at which the tyre wears can be significantly reduced. 

5. Tyre storage 

When driving on seasonal tyres, you should switch between summer and winter tyres about once every half year. Consequently, your other pair of tyres will lay agile for the next couple of months. When storing your tyres, make sure to store them in a stacked position, preferably in a special tyre stand, or in an upward position when still mounted on a dedicated rim. Make sure the room where you store your tyres is dark and not too moist. In addition, it is important to store your tyres at least 2 meters away from any chemicals or electrical power source.