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Maintaining tyres is as important as choosing the right
set. Here's a few pointers to get you started.
-The Central Motor Vehicle Regulations
has set a minimum tread depth for tyres that can be used. Continuing
to run your car on tyres with a tread depth that is lesser than
1.6mm is not only dangerous, but illegal as well. In fact, most
manufacturers will recommend changing your tyres way before the
tread depth reaches 1.6mm, and trust us, that's a very good idea.
- Checking your tyre pressure at regular
intervals is a good move. Always maintain tyre pressures as per
manufacturer recommendations that can be found in the owners manual
of your vehicle as well as on a sticker on every car and bike. A
lower tyre pressure than recommended will result in the tyre heating
up excessively and eventually lead to the rubber and cord separating
- not something you'd want to happen unless you like punctures.
A higher pressure will mean unpredictable handling, easier ruptures
on impact and a higher possibility of the tyres skidding under braking.
And all of the above means lesser tyre life.
- Tyres require maintenance as well. Check
your tyre treads for any kind of debris that may have been picked
up from the road. If there is any - such as stones, pebbles or nails,
make it a point to remove them before driving out to best avoid
further damage to the tyre's carcass. In case of a puncture, have
the tyre replaced or repaired as required without further delay.
- Irregular tyre wear is a sure sign of
some kind of abnormality in either your vehicle's setup or the tyre
itself. Check tyre pressure regularly and don't forget to rotate
your tyres as well - including the spare wheel in your boot. Also
get your suspension checked for wheel alignment and the wheels themselves
for proper balance.
- The spare tyre in your car's boot is
not for ornamental purposes. Make it a point to keep the spare under
check along with the other tyres as well. Check the tyre for pressure,
tread depth etc, and don't forget to involve it in the tyre rotation
exercise!
- As far as possible, make sure you change
all 4/5 tyres when you go in for a new set. Even if you plan on
replacing just a couple of tyres instead, make sure they are of
the same basic construction as the ones already fitted on your car.
Do not mix radial and non-radial tyres, This may lead to instability
while driving and can turn out to be hazardous.
- Make periodic checks on the status of
your wheel nuts. The nuts can come loose due to the large forces
acting on them, especially if they haven't been tightened enough
after replacing a flat tyre. Make use of that tool kit in the trunk
and make sure those nuts are as tight as possible.
- Everything has a limit - so do tyres.
Never overload your tyres beyond the limits set by the manufacturer.
These values can be found moulded into the tyre walls for ready
reference. Also remember that these values for maximum load are
applicable only if the tyre is inflated to the correct optimum pressure.
- Keeping your tyres clean is a big part
of the overall cleanliness of your vehicle. Use appropriate tyre
polishes to keep them shining and looking as good as new. Avoid
using chemicals and shampoos containing petroleum products as they
may eat through the rubber and damage your tyres.
- Avoid fitting used tyres unless their
past history is known. Tyres that may not have been used or used
sparingly for long intervals may seem like a cheap alternative to
buying new tyres, but these may be damaged. Check the tyres for
cracks in the sidewalls and in the tread, or for deformation of
the carcass. If you spot any of these, stay away.
- Always remember to remove a punctured
tyre completely from the wheel to check for any kind of secondary
damages. Invisible from the outside when fit on the wheel, these
minute damages can lead to bigger disasters in the future.
- Leave the repair work to the professionals.
Make sure you get your tyre repaired by a tyre repair specialist
only.
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