How looking after your tyres can save you money

Tyres are an important component of any vehicle – and looking after them is usually discussed within the realm of safety.

However, it is also sensible to consider how well-maintained car tyres can help to lessen the spending of extra or unrequired money.

Something which everyone is keen to avoid. Especially in the current economic landscape.

Poorly maintained tyres have the unfortunate side effects of causing increased wear, poor rolling resistance and potential tyre failures. All of which leads to spending money that you do not need to.

Keeping a close eye on the condition of your tyres and carrying out quick and simple maintenance, can help to optimise their performance and therefore save you money in the long run.

Check your tyre air pressures

One of the most important tyre maintenance tasks you can carry out on your tyres relates to their air pressure.

Keeping your tyres inflated in accordance with the vehicle manufacturer’s handbook ensures that you will get the best possible fuel consumption.

If your tyres are underinflated, the rolling resistance increases - as more of the tyre’s surface comes into contact with the road, causing increased drag.

This in turn will lead to your vehicle's fuel consumption increasing. Requiring you to refuel more often.

As well as the increase in rolling resistance, underinflated tyres also will eventually cause tyre damage – which may lead to tyre replacements being required far sooner than is necessary.

Check your tyre tread

Checking your tyre tread on a regular basis is another important part of tyre maintenance.

An initial visual inspection of the tread and outside edges of the tyre allows you to spot any foreign objects or signs of increased wear.

By keeping on top of this and making sure the tread is clear of any stones or any other foreign object ensures that your tyres can perform to their best for as long as possible.

Again, reducing the chance of needing to replace them earlier than expected.

Driving habits

Ok, granted this may not coming under the direct umbrella of tyre maintenance, but it does play a factor in the condition of your tyres. Prevention is better than cure – is a phrase that comes to mind.

This is because sensible driving practises can help in determining how frequently (or infrequently as the case may be) you need to replace your tyres.

When driving in a smooth manner – avoiding potholes, no hard acceleration, no hard braking – less stresses are put upon your tyres. Optimising performance for as long as possible, lessening the wear rate and reducing the risk of damage.

For those looking to lessen fuel consumption, and therefore not requiring to refuel as often, driving economically is the best way forward.