Take care of your car by taking care of your tyres

Lately, we’ve been seeing a lot of activity in our tyre sales department, which tells me that it’s time to provide some tips on taking care of your tyres so they keep you safe and last longer. 

The first thing I suggest is doing your research to find the tyres that are best for you. At Bermuda Motors, we carry the Pirelli and Kumho brand tyres. Pirelli has established itself as one of the premium tyre brands and as the official tyre for Formula 1 racing, it is synonymous with high performance. Kumho tyres are known for offering advanced technology combined with affordability. In addition Kumho also delves at the eco-conscious tyre. 

Not only do tyres carry the entire weight of your car, but also they absorb and manage irregularities on the road to provide a safe and smooth ride, which is why it’s important to preserve their quality and performance. Here are some things you can do to help you get the maximum return on your tyre investment.

Tyre pressure

Check the pressure in your tyres at least once a month to make certain they are inflated to the recommended levels. Since Bermuda is a unique driving environment without highways, it is recommended that most non-commercial vehicles stay at around 35-40 PSI. Correct tyre pressure reduces the risk of losing control of the vehicle and protects your tyres from premature wear and irreversible damage. Maintaining the correct tyre pressure can even improve fuel efficiency.

Tread depth

Make sure to regularly check the tread depth of your tyres. The tread grooves help channel water away and are vital for traction when braking and cornering. The minimum tread depth is 1.6mm across three quarters of the tyre’s width. It’s worth noting that the grip available with this little tread left is seriously reduced. A tyre with 1.6mm can take nearly 50 per cent further to stop a vehicle in the wet compared to a new tyre with 8mm of tread depth. 

To measure the tread depth you can use the wear bar on the tire, a tread depth measurement tool or a U.S. penny. Hold it vertically with Lincoln facing you and place the dated section of the coin into several tread grooves across the tire. Part of Lincoln’s head should always be covered. If not, it’s time to replace your tyres.

Wheel balance

Balancing and alignment help prevent uneven and rapid tread wear. Alignment is one of the key maintenance factors in getting the most wear and performance from your tyres. In addition, wheel alignment provides safe, predictable vehicle control as well as a smooth and comfortable ride, and improved gas mileage. If your tyre has potentially been damaged from things like driving into a curb or pothole, or you have noticed uneven wear on your tyres, you should go to a qualified service technician to have it inspected. In addition, at your scheduled car service checks make sure the tyres are rotated in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.

Tyre repair

When a tyre needs repairing, it’s essential to have a qualified service technician inspect it because internal damage will not be visible to you. A service technician will ensure compliance with assembly, disassembly, balancing and inflation of the tyre.

The best thing you can do to preserve your tyres is to be a safe driver. If you drive with gentle acceleration and even breaking, you will not only be saving money in fuel but also lengthening the life of your tyres. If you are unsure on any aspect of tyre pressure or tyre condition take your vehicle to a certified technician and speak to the experts. 

For more information on tyres and tyre maintenance, contact Krishna King at Bermuda Motors: 292-0893 or [email protected]. Website: www.bermudamotors.bm.